TMJ Dentist in Grand Blanc MI
Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial pain, neck pain, and headaches due to TMD, or temporomandibular disorder. This is also known as TMJ. A TMJ dentist can help you get long-lasting relief from pain caused by TMD.
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque (a sticky form of bacteria that forms on the teeth). If the plaque is not removed (by flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups), it will continue to build up and create toxins that can damage the gums. Periodontal disease forms just below the gum line and creates small pockets that separate the gums from the teeth. Periodontal disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Gingivitis — This is the early stage of gum disease, when the gums become red and swollen, and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is treatable and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
- Periodontitis — If left untreated, gingivitis will advance into periodontitis, and the gums and bone that support the teeth will become seriously and irreversibly damaged. Gums infected with periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or be removed by a dentist.
Symptoms of TMD include:
You may want to see a TMJ dentist if you are experiencing:
- Jaw pain
- Ear pain, ear ringing or stuffiness
- Chronic headaches or neck aches
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Swelling on the face
- Muscle spasms in the jaw
- Change in alignment of the teeth
- Locked jaw
- Difficulty opening the mouth
If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms, let us know. Your dentist can identify TMD and create an effective treatment plan for you.
How to Alleviate or Prevent TMD
There are some steps you can take at home prevent TMD, or to make the pain less severe. These include:
- Relax your face – lips together, teeth apart
- Avoid grinding your teeth
- Avoid chewing gum constantly
- Don’t cradle a phone between your head and shoulder
- Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth
- Don’t sit with your hand resting on your chin
- Practice good posture
While these may help you relieve pain from TMD, a TMJ dentist can create a treatment plan designed to give you long-term freedom from pain relief.
