Missouri Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery - In Your Local Area

TMJ Symptoms - Headaches and Jaw Pain Can be Relieved

One out of every 10 Americans suffers from chronic headaches, and they spend over half a billion dollars every year for over-the-counter medications to relieve their pain.

They never imagine that their headaches may be caused by TMJ, and that their pain is the result of a bad bite.

A bad bite can put your jaw-to-skull relationship out of alignment. When this happens, TMJ symptoms occur. This cluster of TMJ symptoms can include: headaches, earaches, ear ringing, loud jaw clicking, even stiffness and pain in the jaw, neck, shoulders and back. This cluster has puzzled doctors in the past. Now we can put a name to it: TMJ.

According to recent studies, more than 40 million Americans suffer from TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) or MPD (Myofascial Pain Dysfunction). The good news is dentists are taking the lead in finding solutions.

If you, or someone you love, suffer from the symptoms of TMJ, set up an appointment with your dentist soon. You may find that TMJ is the missing piece in the puzzle -- and, that the treatment works!

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

TMD and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

The jaw joint is formally known as the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. When there are problems with the jaw, this is known as TMD, which stands for temporomandibular joint disorder or temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

TMD symptoms are caused by swelling of the jaw muscles that lead to jaw joint problems. The most common symptoms of TMD include jaw popping or clicking, having a hard time opening or closing your mouth, a sore jaw, and even headaches.

TMD treatment can take many forms. Doing jaw exercises and eating soft foods can help relieve TMD pain, and pain relievers can reduce inflammation. A TMD dentist can prescribe a dental guard to wear at night to reduce teeth grinding. The most serious cases may call for TMD injections or TMD surgery.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.