Does Your Jaw Pop Or Click?

If you routinely experience popping or clicking in the jaw, then you may need treatment for TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. A jaw joint disorder, this could lead to trouble eating and even difficulties opening and closing the mouth. Fortunately, your Houston, TX, dentist can identify and treat TMJ disorder, helping you avoid these uncomfortable symptoms and protecting your smile’s function and stability.

The Symptoms of TMD

We urge people to see us for a diagnosis if they begin to experience pain in and around their face and jaw, as this could point to the presence of TMJ disorder. Common symptoms include headaches and migraines, soreness in the face, jaw, shoulders, or neck, and a popping or crackling sensation in the jaw. Without treatment, these symptoms could grow worse and people may begin to experience pain and difficulties eating or trying to open and close their mouth. Don’t let this oral health issue impact your quality of life in negative ways, talk to us about possible treatment options.

Possible Causes (And a Link to Bruxism)

How does TMD form anyway? The disorder is related to stress placed on the temporomandibular joints, which attach your jaw to your skull and control the movements necessary to eat and speak. These stresses could be the result of anxiety, injury to the face or the jaw, tooth loss, dental misalignment, or poor bite balance. If you grind your teeth, this could cause TMJ disorder, and untreated TMD could lead to teeth grinding, eventually damaging your teeth and increasing the risk of tooth decay and dental infection.

Custom Nightguard Treatment

We often treat the disorder with a comfortable oral appliance that will be worn as you sleep. We create the appliance based on measurements and impressions we take of your smile. The appliance will fit like a mouthguard, but actually reposition the jaw to ease pressure and prevent further symptoms. If you happen to grind your teeth as well, the appliance will place a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth, which helps prevent further damage. Other possible treatment options include orthodontics, such as braces or clear aligners, or the placement of a restoration, such as a dental crown. If you have any question about diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder, or if you recognize any of the symptoms we’ve discussed in today’s blog, then please contact our team today.

MMC DENTAL TREATS TMD

Our team would love to help you enjoy a healthy smile, one free of uncomfortable TMJ dysfunction. To learn more about our approach preventive and general dental care, then please schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Chan by calling MMC Dental in Houston, TX, today at (713) 926-8896.