Did you know over 10 million Americans currently suffer from TMJ disorder, or TMD? If you experience chronic headaches or have difficulty chewing, you may be exhibiting symptoms of this widespread disorder. At The Silverstrom Group, your Livingston dentists, Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom, offer a variety of treatment options for addressing TMD-related pain. In today’s blog, your Livingston dentists explain the causes of TMD and discuss how to ease your TMJ pain.
What is TMD?
TMJ disorder occurs when excess strain is placed on the temporomandibular joints. These joints connect your jaw to your skull and control all movement of the jaw, such as chewing or talking. A variety of factors can lead to a patient developing this painful disorder. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common cause of TMD. In other cases, a misaligned bite can stress your jaw joints, causing TMJ disorder.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Patients with TMJ disorder frequently report several common symptoms, including:
· Popping or clicking in the jaw
· Jaw pain
· Facial pain
· Headaches
· Migraines
· Earaches
· Tinnitus
· Pain when yawning, chewing, or talking
Treating Your TMJ Pain
In many cases, simple lifestyle changes adequately address your TMJ pain. For example, teeth grinding is often caused by an increased stress. Finding ways to reduce the anxiety in your life may be enough to stop bruxism and end TMD. For patients with more severe cases, Drs. David and Gary Silverstrom provide an array of treatment options. With bite therapy, your Livingston general dentists will recommend a series of muscle exercises to relax jaw joints and help correct misalignment. Splint therapy involves using a special dental device similar to a mouth guard. Worn at night, this custom-made appliance prevents your upper and lower teeth from touching, effectively ending bruxism and easing TMD-related discomfort.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Livingston General Dentists
Are you suffering from chronic headaches or jaw pain due to TMJ disorder? Schedule a consultation with your Livingston general Dentists, Dr. David or Gary Silverstrom today for a diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. Contact The Silverstrom Group in Livingston, New Jersey by calling (973) 797-9345. The Silverstrom Group is located at 580 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston, New Jersey.
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