TMJ

Jaw pain and dysfunction is unfortunately a common condition without a clear path for finding relief.

 

Do you have it? Who do you go see for it? How is it treated?

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Well first, let's start with the signs of TMJD:

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• pain with opening or closing your mouth

• pain while chewing

• difficulty opening or a "locked" jaw

• neck pain

• tenderness or pain around your jaw or ears

• headaches

• you hear clicking or popping sound with jaw movement

• grinding or clenching your teeth during the day or while sleeping

• a feeling of fatigue after chewing or having your mouth open for a long period of time

• ear popping or ringing (aka tinnitus)

• sleep disturbances (snoring, sleeping with your mouth open)

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Does this sound like you?

 

IF SO, YOU'RE PROBABLY LIKE THE MANY PATIENTS I SEE WHO HAVE ALREADY TRIED A NIGHT GUARD OR BOTOX FIRST AND FOUND TEMPORARY RELIEF, IF ANY. 

 

Maybe you've tried massages or stretches you found online. No shame in that, but generic advice gets generic results. What if you're having problems because your jaw is unstable or hypermobile?

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I took a specialized interest in TMJD for this reason. It is a complex condition with so many factors that play a part. I like to think of myself as a detective finding all the clues to figure out "whodunnit."

 

Most of the time, it's multiple causes. I take a holistic approach (I know the word holistic is so overused, but stick with me.) ​​​​​​​​​​​

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I evaluate you as a whole person and examine:​

 

• your face and neck muscles

• how your neck and jaw move

• the position of your tongue

• check for a tongue tie

• evaluate your airway and breathing

• how you're sleeping

• we discuss your stress, daily habits and overall health

  • No, I won't just tell you to "relax" or "stress less"​

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