Exceptional Dentistry Blog

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ disorder, is estimated to affect about 35 million people in the United States. And while virtually anyone can develop this painful condition, statistics show that it occurs in women about five times more frequently than it does in men. If you’re a woman, it’s essential to be aware of the reasons why you might be at risk for a TMJ disorder as well as your options for finding relief.

If you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD), you know that flare-ups can be painful and frustrating. TMJ flare-ups often involve jaw pain, headaches, earaches, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth. While it’s important to focus on relief strategies, it’s just as critical to understand what not to do during a flare-up. Certain actions can worsen your symptoms and delay recovery. Here’s what you should avoid when dealing with TMJ discomfort.

You may have heard conflicting information about TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, and you might feel confused about what is fact and what is fiction. Misconceptions are common, and they can prevent you from seeking the right care or fully understanding your symptoms. What is the truth behind some of the most prevalent myths? This blog post shares some helpful information.

If you experience TMD pain, a qualified dentist can be one of the best people to help you. Professional therapies such as a custom oral orthotic or BOTOX injections can provide powerful symptom relief. But is there anything you can do in the meantime to reduce your pain? Yes! Many people have found jaw exercises to be beneficial. Here are nine movements that you might try:

Have you noticed that you’re having more headaches than usual and your jaw feels stiff or sore? If so, you may have developed TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). If the sliding-disc joints that anchor your jawbone to your skull are misaligned or overworked, they can become painfully inflamed.

There are several potential treatments available, including massage therapy, an oral appliance to help relax your jaw, BOTOX injections, and others. However, did you know that correcting your posture can also help alleviate your symptoms? Continue reading to learn how!

Have you ever opened your mouth and heard a popping or clicking sound coming from your jaw? While it might be easy to ignore, a popping jaw can sometimes be a sign of an underlying issue. Jaw popping or clicking is fairly common, and for many people, it’s harmless. But in some cases, it may be a symptom of a condition that needs professional attention. So, should you be worried if your jaw pops or clicks? Let’s explore the possible causes and when to seek help.

TMJ disorder is well-known for causing chronic pain in the jaw. However, the discomfort isn’t the only potential effect that the condition can have. Research has shown that TMJ disorder can potentially contribute to sleep problems – most notably sleep apnea. Before you get the treatment you need, it’s worth taking the time to learn more about how TMJ disorder and sleep apnea can be connected.

As the years and decades pass, it is common for people to experience hearing difficulties. Quite a few people even have to deal with a persistent ringing in their ears, which is otherwise known as tinnitus. But did you know that tinnitus is not always related to hearing loss? It might indicate that you have TMJ disorder (TMD), a condition that afflicts the jaw joints. This blog post explores the connection between these issues.

When most of us think about our oral health, our teeth and gums come to mind first – however, our jaws are just as important! Not only do they help to secure your teeth in place, but they also allow you to eat, speak, and smile your way through life. This is why as soon as an issue arises, like TMJ disorder, treatment is in your best interest. Continue reading to learn a little more about TMJ disorder, what causes it, and how your dentist might be able to help!

Have you been dealing with jaw pain recently, but haven’t the slightest clue as to what the cause might be? You’re far from alone – estimates indicated that anywhere from 5% to 12% of the general population experiences some form of TMJ disorder, or TMD. But did you know that sometimes, it’s linked to arthritis? Continue reading to learn more about the curious connection between jaw pain and arthritis, along with how your pain can be managed and your quality of life can be improved.