TMD
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| • | Pain in your face. |
| • | Swelling of the joints. |
| • | You might find it difficult to eat, speak, or even open your mouth at all. |
| • | Your jaw may lock open or closed, and you are temporarily unable to move it. |
| • | You notice a clicking, popping, or grinding sound or sensation at the joints when you move your mouth. |
| • | You experience chronic headaches or earaches. While these issues seem to be unrelated, the radiation of pain from the joints can spread up the back of the skull or into the ears. |
| • | Bruxism. This is a condition in which you grind and clench your teeth. The forces your muscles exert not only exhaust them, but also place unnecessary strain on the joints. This condition can be caused by stress, alignment issues, and certain lifestyle habits. |
| • | Facial trauma. Facial injuries, which can be sustained in a car accident, a fall, or some other type of injury, can affect the jaw and the temporomandibular joints. |
| • | Jaw dislocation. Even if your jaw becomes dislocated for only a few seconds, it can cause tiny tears that can irritate the joints. |
| • | Certain types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes the degradation of the cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis causes the joints to become inflamed. |
| • | Taking care at home. For minor TMD, home care can often be enough. This might include over the counter pain relievers, prescription pain relievers, or stress reduction techniques. |
| • | Oral appliances. An oral appliance is a type of mouth guard that is designed to be worn while you sleep. It covers the top teeth, much like a sports mouth guard, providing a cushion against the forces your jaw exerts on your teeth and jaw. |
| • | Orthodontic treatment. If your teeth or jaws are misaligned, orthodontics can help. |
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(425) 249-3509 everett@cooleysmiles.com LOCATION 10627 19th Ave SE, Suite B Everett, WA 98208-5147 |
The temporomandibular joints, commonly called the TMJ, are the joints located on each side of your face where your lower jaw meets your skull. These joints, in conjunction with the attached bones, muscles, and ligaments, are responsible for the movement of your jaw. The joints enable you to open and close your mouth as well as move the lower jaw from side to side. If these joints become irritated, you may find it difficult, and painful, to move your mouth, even a little. Cooley Smiles can help.