When you wake up in the morning, is your jaw always in chronic pain? When you chew food, do you notice your jaw clicking or popping as you chew? If these symptoms sound familiar, you may need TMJ therapy in San Diego. Of course, temporomandibular joint disorder is only one of the possible causes of your symptoms.
The only way to know for sure is to get examined by a professional on the subject. Here are three possible causes your dentist says to consider.
Dental Problems
If you notice pain in your jaw, there’s a possibility it could be due to food debris that’s caught in between your teeth. To confirm this, rinse your mouth out with warm water, followed by using dental floss to remove food from the area the pain is stemming from. If you still notice pain, it could also be caused by a cavity or abscess, both of which require attention from a dentist as soon as possible.
If you have teeth that are cracked, crowded, or sensitive to temperature or pressure, it could easily be the cause of your pain. Gum disease can also damage the jawbone easily. The best way to know for sure is to visit your dentist in San Diego for a closer examination.
Joint Problems
Other diseases can target the body’s many joints, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ.) Rheumatoid arthritis, a specific type of arthritis and autoimmune disease, can attack the TMJ, causing it to swell and become inflamed. When the TMJ’s soft cartilage is attacked, it makes it feel stiff and sore.
TMJ Disorders
Finally, the most common reason for chronic jaw pain is a disorder of the TMJ, also known as TMD. About 1 in 8 people may have TMJ disorder at one point in their lives. The chances go up if you had an accident involving your jaw, you’ve recently recovered from an illness, or as a result of general arthritis.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, chances are you have TMD. They include:
- Constant headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness or vision problems
- Pain around the ears, face, or jaw
- Clicking sounds when opening the mouth
If you notice these problems, your dentist can perform TMJ therapy in San Diego. This includes the use of oral appliances, splints, and other methods to manage your chronic pain when other doctors simply don’t know what to do. Since no specialty exists for this specific disorder even though so many people are diagnosed with it, it’s worth seeking a professional to get the most accurate diagnosis.
Don’t let TMD ruin your daily routine or sleep schedule. Make an appointment with your dentist today to get treated!
About the Author
Dr. Greg Friedman has attended several years of educational courses solely dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of TMD. By using this as well as his expertise on orthodontics, he can create a comprehensive treatment plan that reliefs your symptoms and significantly improves your quality of life. To learn more about his practice, contact him through his website
