Did You Know We Can Help With TMD?
Do you have unexplained jaw discomfort or tenderness in your jaw when you eat or hear a clicking sound when you open and close your mouth, even when talking or yawning? There is a chance that you might be suffering from TMD. TMD is a chronic condition that affects the temporomandibular joint and can cause great discomfort.
What is TMD?
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are issues that arise from problems with the jaw joints, and face muscles. Many times, you may also hear the term TMJ, which stands for the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint that attaches your skull to your jawbone. It acts like a hinge and works along with the jaw muscles to allow you to move your mouth when eating, swallowing, and speaking.
Symptoms You May Experience with TMD
Symptoms of TMD can come on suddenly or can be experienced over a prolonged period of time and include:
- Frequent migraine headaches
- The inability to open your mouth wide
- Tenderness or discomfort in the jaw joint, cheekbone, ears, or face
- Clicking or popping sound when opening your mouth
- Jaw becomes locked or frozen in place when open
What Can Cause TMD?
Many times, it can be difficult to narrow down and pinpoint exactly what is causing the symptoms of TMD, but there is a link to stress. The past few months have added much stress to the lives of many, so it is no surprise that patients who have never experienced TMD symptoms before are reaching out with concerns.
TMD can also be linked to teeth grinding and clenching. While not the sole culprit, these are also factors that can be attributed to added stress. Many patients are not aware that they are grinding or clenching their teeth, and a large percentage of patients suffer from this at night.
Cold Laser Therapy
If you are suffering from the effects of TMD, you would be an ideal patient to try cold laser therapy. Cold laser therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses wavelengths and low-level light to cause a reaction to damaged cells. We can use this treatment to assist with jaw discomfort and tenderness.
If you are located in the Kewaskum, WI area and feel that you are suffering from TMD, please contact our office to schedule an appointment today. We want to help you feel your best!
