Chronic Neck, Jaw, Ear Pain or Regular Headaches? Could Be TMD
Many clients suffer from chronic neck, jaw or ear pain and regular headaches. Did you know this can be directly related to your Temporomandibular joints? These two joints are located on either side of your head and responsible for connecting your jaw to the temporal…
Many clients suffer from chronic neck, jaw or ear pain and regular headaches. Did you know this can be directly related to your Temporomandibular joints? These two joints are located on either side of your head and responsible for connecting your jaw to the temporal bones within your skull. It is the hinge that enables your mandible or lower jawbone to move side to side and up and down so you can yawn, chew and talk. Issues with the muscles in your face and jaw including clicking, popping noises and related chronic pain are known as TMD or Temporomandibular Disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of TMD
Clenching and grinding your teeth and jaw may be a subconscious situation that you are not even aware of. Dr. Sandy Crocker, Dr. Peter Mitchell and Associates in Kelowna has had many clients come in for a regular dental checkup only to reveal smoothly worn out teeth that is a hallmark of Bruxism or grinding. Some clients become aware of their TMD issues when they wake up with a sore jaw, headaches or experience tight neck muscles on a consistent basis. Other clients have a spouse that is being kept awake as their partner grinds away during dreamtime.
We can provide a comprehensive oral check up and note the condition of your teeth and jaw to help you be proactive against long-term damage. Arthritis in the jaw or experiencing facial or neck trauma such as whiplash can additionally cause TMD in some individuals. Many people note their issues become apparent when trying to open wide and bite into an apple or notice their jaw becomes “stuck” or “locked” in an open or closed position. Others may experience clicking or popping noises as they open wide and feel muscle tenderness and pain within their face, shoulders, neck and jaw. Difficulty chewing, earaches, ringing in the ears or tinnitus and even facial swelling can occur. Some clients notice pain radiating down into their shoulder region.
Assessing Your Bite
Dr. Sandy Crocker, Dr. Peter Mitchell & Associates in Kelowna can help you eliminate your TMD issues. Many clients report feeling as though their teeth are improperly aligned and this can often lead to a host of problems. Misaligned teeth and jawbones can cause excessive wear on perfectly healthy dentition and cause unnecessary chipping and enamel loss. A misaligned bite puts tremendous force on your jaw muscles and can leave ones’ face feeling tired and sore. Orthodontic therapy can help realign your jaw at any age. More and more adult patients are addressing their bite issues to alleviate their TMD and protect their teeth. Our experienced dental team can help you determine your best options. We use state-of-the-art digital X-rays to obtain a clear picture of your underlying tissues and bone structure. This enables us to provide you with the facts.
Topical Relief
In the short term, you may try warm compresses, ice packs and relaxation massages when your jaw becomes tight or sore. Becoming aware of when you are prone to clenching is often helpful. Do you clamp your jaw shut during stressful situations? Do you feel relaxed at bedtime or are you laying there going over all your unfinished tasks for the day and fighting anxiety? Some clients notice drastic improvement in their TMD symptoms by implementing certain lifestyle changes. However, if your TMD is a result of misalignment issues and dental problems, Dr. Sandy Crocker, Dr. Peter Mitchell & Associates would love to help you address the root cause and help you feel better!
Book Your TMD Assessment Today!
No one wants to live in any type of chronic pain. No one wants to rely on aspirin, muscle relaxants or potentially harmful pain relievers on a regular basis. Our experienced dental team can help you assess the causes of your TMD. We can create a custom mouthguard to address your tooth grinding and help you sleep soundly once again. We can discuss the benefits of traditional braces or Invisalign or even jaw surgery to amend your misalignment issues. There are plenty of ways to help your head, neck and shoulder muscles relax and relieve your symptoms. We look forward to seeing you at your dental appointment and helping you feel better! Don’t let your TMD issues get the best of you and rob you of your precious rest or enjoyment of your favourite foods any longer.
Chronic Neck, Jaw, Ear Pain or Regular Headaches? Could Be TMD – Kelowna Dentist Blog
Posted at 16:16h, 03 November[…] Many clients suffer from chronic neck, jaw or ear pain and regular headaches. Did you know this can be directly related to your Temporomandibular joints? These two joints are located on either side of your head and responsible for connecting your jaw to … […]