Jaw & TMJ

Do you grind your teeth? If this is a problem for you, there are times you can develop a serious problem with your jaw. Untreated, this can affect the teeth, gums and bone structures in your mouth.

The joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, called the temporomandibular joint, can be impacted. This specific joint controls the opening and closing of both the upper and lower jaw, which allows chewing and speaking.

One of the common symptoms of those who have temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) will be a clicking or popping sound when opening and closing their mouths. It’s not uncommon for this disorder to cause frequent headaches, neck aches, and in a few cases, tooth sensitivity.

To treat this disorder, the dentist may prescribe muscle relaxants. You can also take aspirin, use biofeedback, or wear a small plastic appliance in your mouth during that will protect your teeth and jaw.

If you suffer from a more serious condition, it could involve improperly aligned joints or dislocated jaws. An arthritic condition causes the most extreme form of TMD. Traumatic injuries can also play a role in jaw dislocation. This may require jaw surgery, which can be performed arthroscopically.