If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is essential to schedule a dentist appointment with a TMD specialist: persistent jaw pain, headaches, neck pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth, and difficulty chewing. These could be signs of TMD, which a dentist can treat.
Treatment typically includes oral appliances that help to reposition your jaw and relieve pressure on your TMDs. Please call us today for more information on scheduling a TMD dentist appointment.
How Do I Know I Have TMD?
As mentioned above, there are a few key signs that may indicate you have TMD, as well as:
- Tenderness or pain in your jaw
- Pain in one or both of your temples
- Aching pain in your teeth
- A clicking or popping sound when you open your mouth
- Difficulty chewing
- Ear aches
- Persistent headaches
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a dentist appointment as soon as possible. The sooner you receive a diagnosis and begin treatment, the sooner you can find relief from your TMD.
During Your Dentist Appointment
We will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history. We will also perform a physical examination of your mouth, teeth, jaw, and neck. In some cases, X-rays may be taken. Based on the findings, the dentist will determine if you have TMD and what treatment options are available.
Preventing TMD
While there is no sure way to prevent TMD, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk:
- Use good posture and alignment when sitting, standing, and sleeping.
- Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth. If you notice yourself doing this during the day, try to relax your jaw muscles.
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewy or hard foods that require a lot of chewing.
- Avoid biting your nails or chewing on pencils or pens.
While TMD is not life-threatening, it can be painful and disruptive to your daily routine.
Contact Us
At our dentist’s office, we are committed to helping our patients find relief from TMD. We understand the pain and frustration that this condition can cause, and we are here to help. We offer a variety of treatments for TMD, and we will work with you to find the best treatment plan.
If you think you may have TMD, contact us today at (425) 948-1875. We can help you find ways to reduce your pain and get your jaw back to normal function. Making a dentist appointment is the first step in diagnosing and treating your TMD. Let us help you get started.
