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Tuesday, June 2, 2009

My Jaw Hurts; Is it TMD?

Temporomandibular joint disorder is a disorder affecting the joint that connects the jaw bone to the skull. In most cases TMD is caused by a misaligned bite. A misaligned bite puts extra strain on the joint, causing it to swell, and resulting in severe pain. TMD is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms of the disorder are quite broad.

The symptoms of TMD include:

  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Severe headaches (often confused with migraines)
  • Clicking of the jaw
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Numbness in the fingers and arms
  • Grinding of the teeth (bruxism)
  • Dizziness

Looking at the above list, it is not hard to understand why TMD is often misdiagnosed. Most people who suffer from these symptoms seek medical treatment for their symptoms. While a doctor can sometimes diagnose TMD, usually medical doctors treat the individual symptoms, not thinking of a the possibility of a dental issue. TMD is a very treatable disorder, and with the assistance of neuromuscular dentistry, you can be free of all of your symptoms in just a few visits to the dentist.

If you think you may suffer from TMD and live in the Mississauga, Ontario area, please contact the experienced dentists at Willow Dental Associates.

posted by Evan Langsted at 6:06 PM