Do you have unexplained jaw discomfort or stiffness? Do you hear a clicking or popping sound when you open and close your mouth? Do you get frequent headaches, back, or neck pain? You could be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). If these symptoms sound familiar, your dentist may be able to help. Here’s a quick way to screen yourself for TMD, and why when it comes to your jaw health, all roads lead to your dentist!
Testing, 123…
It can be hard to tell if you truly do have TMD on your own, which is why it’s so important to receive an official screening from your dentist. However, if you suspect that you might have one, there’s a quick and easy way to test yourself from the comfort of your own home. To do it, open your jaw slightly and place a finger over the joint in front of your ear. Open your mouth wide until you can feel this joint move. If you feel it click, or if it’s sensitive when you press on it gently, there’s a good chance you may have TMD.
Next Steps
If you suspect you could have TMD, the next step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. There, you will receive a more in-depth screening and official diagnosis. In addition to X-rays and a hands-on evaluation, you may be asked to wear a deprogrammer, an oral appliance that is kept in your mouth overnight to reposition your jaw and reveal how your bite naturally aligns when your muscle tension is lowered. This will allow your dentist to get a better understanding of how severe your TMD is and help him formulate a treatment plan that will get you the relief you deserve.
How Do You Treat TMD?
There are a variety of ways to treat TMD, each dependent on the individual patient. These may include:
- Occlusal splints
- BOTOX Injections
- Equilibration / occlusal adjustment
Your dentist can discuss your options in greater detail once you have been evaluated and officially diagnosed. He may recommend one or more of these options, depending on your exact diagnosis.
Remember, a home screen for TMD is an excellent starting point for getting the help you need, but it’s extremely important to get an official diagnosis from a dentist. The great news is that once you’ve been evaluated, your dentist can help get you safe, effective treatment that will put your jaw (and your mind!) at ease.
About Dr. Parry
Dr. Tristan J. Parry earned his undergraduate degree at Utah State University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Ohio State University. Today, he is a proud Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor earned by less than 2% of all general dentists! He is also a graduate of the Kois Center in Seattle, WA and has completed well over 500 hours of advanced training in sleep and TMJ dentistry! To schedule an evaluation for TMD at TMJ Solutions at Magnolia Shores, please visit our website or call us today at 336-644-2770.