What is TMD?

TMD is a group of problems that cause pain or problems with the jaw muscles and/or the joint (temporomandibular joint, or TMJ). It can also affect other parts of your face, head, and neck. The main cause is too much strain on your jaw joints and the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. This strain may be caused by a habit called bruxism—the involuntary clenching or grinding of your teeth. Other causes include arthritis, a dislocated jaw disk, or the way your teeth fit together when you open and close your mouth (malocclusion). More info suwanee-cosmetic-dentist.com

TMJ can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms can look like those of many other conditions and health problems. Your doctor or dentist will ask about your past health, and check how you move your jaw. They will also listen for clicking, popping, or cracking sounds when you open and close your mouth. They may order an imaging test, such as an X-ray or CT scan.

Managing TMD Pain: Effective Treatment Options

Most people with TMD improve with noninvasive treatment. Over-the-counter NSAIDs (like aspirin or ibuprofen) and a warm compress can help reduce inflammation and pain. Certain behavioral health approaches—like cognitive behavior therapy and biofeedback—have also been shown to help relieve TMD pain. If your symptoms don’t go away after trying these treatments, your doctor or dentist may recommend other treatment options, such as mouth guards or splints to reduce bruxism and jaw clenching, or orthodontics to fix a misaligned bite (bad bite). If the problem gets worse, your doctor may suggest surgery.…