Do you frequently develop headaches or notice that you tend to clench your jaw at night or when you’re stressed? If so, you might have developed a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Although you might think of your condition as a mere inconvenience, the longer it remains unaddressed, the more likely it is impact your oral and overall health.
However, some patients are unsure whether TMD is a medical or dental issue or who to call for treatment. If you suspect you have developed a problem, continue reading to learn more about it!
What is TMD?
Most people are born with two temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, that anchor your jawbone to your skull. They’re located just below your ears and are responsible for your mouth’s range of motion. When they’re healthy, these sliding-disc joints allow you to move your jaw forward and back, side to side, or open and close it.
Unfortunately, if you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) or have a bite misalignment, you could overwork these joints, which can trigger a painful inflammation known as TMD. This can cause aches in your teeth, jaw, face, neck, and shoulders, as well as develop migraines. You might also prematurely wear down your enamel, which can contribute to cavities, injuries, and other dental concerns.
Is TMD a Medical or Dental Concern?
Many patients question whether they should call their primary care physician or their dentist to address their TMJ concerns. The truth is that in many cases, the cause of your disorder can help determine whether it’s a medical or oral concern.
For instance, it can sometimes be caused by fibromyalgia, which is a chronic condition that can cause a dull, persistent throbbing throughout the body as the spine and brain amplify certain signals. If this is the cause of your discomfort, it can be addressed more effectively by your doctor.
Why Should I See a Dentist to Treat TMD?
Although in some instances a doctor may be more qualified to help, TMD are often caused by oral issues that can be more accurately assessed and treated by your dentist. For example, if your condition developed because of teeth grinding or a dental misalignment or malocclusion, your dentist has the experience and state-of-the-art equipment to devise customized treatment plans to ease your symptoms. Not only that, but many dentists also undergo specialized training to be able to accurately diagnose TMD in order to provide solutions.
If you’re unsure what’s behind your tender jaw or whether your dentist can help, you can learn more by contacting them for a consultation!
About the Practice
At Exceptional Dentistry, patients benefit from a team of providers who are committed to helping them assess and address sleep-related and/or TMJ disorders. Dr. Saba, Dr. Allafi, and Dr. Solanki collaborate to provide a variety of services to help identify the cause of your concerns and devise customized treatment plans to meet your unique needs. If you suspect you have developed a TMD, you can request a consultation on the website or by calling (301) 460-3331.