The nerves and muscles of the jaw control opening and closing and cause separation as pressure is applied between the teeth. Pressure sensitive receptors in the tiny ligaments suspending the teeth in the jaw bone and the receptors in the chewing muscles cause a reflex to occur during biting to minimize the duration and magnitude of the forces on teeth.
Dysfunction in the jaw joint occurs when this reflex control of the jaw movement is over-ridden by higher brain centers during clenching and grinding (bruxism). During bruxism, tooth contact occurs for extended periods of time and with much greater magnitude. These pressures measure ten times greater than the force commonly exerted on teeth. These excessive pressures can result in severe tooth wear, cracking and fracturing of teeth and fillings and pain during chewing due to incomplete fracture of the tooth (Cracked Tooth Syndrome). A crown is necesary to splint a cracked tooth to prevent further separation of the crack.
The excessive forces of bruxism can also cause jaw pain from fatigue of the jaw muscles and inflammation from damage to the cartilage and ligaments of the jaw joint. These sign and symptoms are referred to as Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction, or TMD. If you believe that you are experiencing any of these changes, then visit http://www.dulski.com/jawbite.html to learn how Dr. Dulski at Adult Dentistry of Rochester can help.
Tags: TMJ Problems, TMD
Headaches. Ear Pain without Infection. Hearing Sounds like Grinding, Popping or Dizziness. Ringing in the Ear. Jaw-shifting to One Side While Eating or Speaking.
ReplyDeleteAll the above & more are indicators that you are experiencing TMJ problems. Initially, symptoms may be minimal & sporadic, or only at times of stress with relief gained by taking o-t-c medication(s).
Unfortunately, for the majority of individuals, TMJ malfunctions worsen due to the wear and tear at the jaw's joints. The above mentioned problems eventually become chronic, more problems show up such as you're unable to open your mouth for speaking & eating. And that's the least of your problems by then.
About 11 years ago, I initially declined the mouth-guard. I just didn't get it. Over the time-frame I've worked here in Dr. Dulski's office, I had occasion to witness the road that repeated choice eventually leads to.., Some develop very serious TMJ problems very quickly, others have been progressive over a long period of time.
To make a long story short, the stress in my life increased significantly 9 years ago. I got the mouth-guard & I have never regretted my decision.
When Dr. Dulski recommends a mouth-guard, it really is for good reasons. That kind of hurting & misery can be avoided so easily.
People with TMD can experience severe pain and discomfort that can be temporary or last for many years.
ReplyDeleteCommon symptoms of TMD include:
* Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
* Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
* Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
* Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain)
* A tired feeling in the face
* Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite - as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
* Swelling on the side of the face
Other common symptoms of TMD include toothaches, headaches, neckaches, dizziness, earaches, and hearing problems.
Treatments for TMD range from simple self-care practices and conservative treatments to injections and surgery. Most experts agree that treatment should begin with conservative, nonsurgical therapies first, with surgery left as the last resort. Many of the treatments listed below often work best when used in combination.
Conservative therapies may consist of:
Apply moist heat or cold packs.
Eat soft foods.
Take medications.
Wear a splint or night guard.
Undergo corrective dental treatments.
Avoid extreme jaw movements.
Don't rest your chin on your hand
Keep your teeth slightly apart
Learning relaxation techniques
Your dentist may decide to send you to an oral surgeon (also called an oral and maxillofacial surgeon) for further care and treatment. This oral healthcare professional specializes in surgical procedures in and about the entire face, mouth, and jaw area.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
TMD affect milions of people.The symptoms can gradually start with no specific cause. It also can start after a trauma to the head and neck like a traffic accident or a blow to the face.
ReplyDeleteThe common actions like clenching your teeth,excessive gum chewing, nail biting or cradling a phone between your shoulder and the side of your head can cause TMD .
These conditions can also be caused by a bad bite. If so the dentist might recommend braces to help the problem.
I have had problems with my jaw from clenching and grinding for years. I have started to break down teeth and are now requiring crowns to be placed. I have completed orthodontic treatment and needed additional help thru the use of a night guard. The process was fully explained to me and was very easy. I don't know why I was never told about this before. I now find it difficult to sleep without it. If I do I suffer the consequences. It is rare that I forget it!
ReplyDelete