If you are suffering from reoccurring headaches and jaw pain, rather than seeing your doctor, you may find more relief by checking out dentists in Appleton. This is because pain of this type is often caused by a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD).
What is TMJ?
This uncomfortable condition is caused when a misaligned jaw causes an uneven bite and stress on the jaw muscles. It can affect both the soft and hard tissues, and is an issue which can slowly develop over years. The results can grow gradually worse over time, not becoming noticeable until there is severe discomfort. It can also quickly become more severe in times of stress.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ has a long list of potential symptoms and warning signs. Many people will suffer from ringing ears, headaches and jaw pain. There can also be tooth pain, cracks or chips in the teeth and unusual tooth wear. This happens because sufferers of TMJ will often clench and grind their teeth, usually while they are sleeping. Other potential problems include chronic neck and shoulder pain or popping or clicking noises in the jaw when yawning, talking or chewing.
How is it treated?
A neuromuscular dentist will need to perform a full exam to establish how severe the problem has become. If the jaw is seriously misaligned, surgery may be required to correct the misalignment. In many instances dental repairs to align the bite can be performed to assist with eliminating the problem. One of the first steps is often to create a customized mouth guard for the patient to wear while sleeping. This can help to relieve some of the pain and pressure caused by grinding the teeth and will help to prevent any additional damage to the teeth.
If you have been suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned, make an appointment with a dentist today. The sooner you receive treatment, the less damage you will risk to your teeth. Neuromuscular dentists in Appleton are the only specialist which can help to not just alleviate the discomfort, but actually eliminate the problem causing the damage.