In this post from Designer Smiles in Fargo ND, we wanted to discuss something that most dental practices don’t focus on: jaw pain. The jaw is a sliding hinge joint, and its formal name is a real mouthful: the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ for short.
TMJ disorder (TMJ/TMD) is more common than you might guess. Millions of people cope with the pain of an aching jaw. Our team has put together these basics about TMJ disorder as a way to keep you informed.
Common Causes of TMJ
- Genetics
- Arthritis
- Trauma
- Clenching or grinding teeth
Common Symptoms of TMJ
- Pain when chewing
- Inability to fully open the mouth
- Headaches and/or neck aches
- A clicking or popping sound in the jaw
In many cases, the pain from TMJ disorders vanishes as mysteriously as it appeared. When it doesn’t go away on its own, treatment begins with conservative measures like over-the-counter pain relievers. Relaxation techniques have also helped many patients.
No one knows why, but women are far more likely to have TMJ disorder than men. It could be something as simple as differences in the bone and muscle structure between genders.
At Designer Smiles in Fargo ND we offer TMJ/TMD treatment and serve satisfied patients in West Fargo and Moorhead. We also provide complete general and cosmetic dentistry. Request an appointment with us today!
Contact Designer Smiles:
701-298-9400
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3525 25th St S
Fargo, North Dakota
58104
