TMD Treatment Minot, ND

Understanding Your Jaw Pain

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At Broadway Family Dentistry our goal is to help you live pain-free with a beautiful smile. In addition to cosmetic dental services, general dental care, and more, we also address problems associated with jaw pain. A temporomandibular disorder (also known as TMJ or TMD) is a problem associated with the muscles in the face and the jaw. TMJ can be caused by problems within the jaw muscles or trauma to the area. For instance, a car crash can give you whiplash, resulting in TMJ. Let’s discuss the signs you should watch out for that indicate if you have TMJ.

TMJ: The signs

If you experience one or more of the following, you could be dealing with TMJ:

-Tenderness, pain or swelling in or around the jaw, neck, or ears

-Difficulty opening the mouth wide

-A feeling of the jaw being ‘stuck’ or ‘locked’ in the open or closed position.

-A popping, clicking, or grating sound when chewing food or yawning.

-Feeling tired in the face or having problems with chewing

-Headaches, toothaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches, hearing issues, shoulder pain, or tinnitus

Some of the habits or issues that can lead to TMJ are grinding or clenching the teeth, arthritis of the joint, stress (which can tighten muscles in the face, or movement of the disc between the ball and socket of the joint.

How to diagnose TMJ

If you have any of the aforementioned signs or symptoms, arrange a consultation with Broadway Family Dentistry today to determine what is causing your jaw pain. During your visit, the dentist will do a physical exam of your jaw and face. They will check your bite, ability to chew, and ability to open and close your mouth. An X-ray or MRI may be necessary to properly diagnose TMJ.

Arrange your consultation

If you are suffering from jaw pain, don’t wait another minute to schedule your consultation with Broadway Family Dentistry. You can reach our office by calling us at 701-839-1299. We look forward to assisting you.

TMD Treatment Minot, ND

At Home Remedies for TMD

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TMD also referred to as TMJ or temporomandibular disorder, can be a painful and frustrating condition. Studies show that symptoms develop as a result of problems with the muscles of the jaw or the temporomandibular joint itself. TMD may be due to an injury to the jaw or muscles of the head or neck, like a whiplash. In other instances grinding, clenching, arthritis, stress, or movement of the disc between the ball and socket of the joint can cause TMD. Before we discuss at home remedies for TMD, let’s determine if you exhibit the symptoms.

TMD symptoms

TMD symptoms occur in the jaw and face area. Pain or tenderness in the face, neck, shoulders, or when you open your mouth to speak or chew are all signs of TMD. Other symptoms include: your jaw getting “stuck” when in the open or closed position, a grating or popping sound in the jaw joint, feeling tired in the face, problems chewing or swelling in the face. Backaches, dizziness, headaches, and earaches have also been connected to TMD.

How to treat TMD

If you have been diagnosed with TMD, there are specific steps you can take at home to ease your condition.

  • Take medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can diminish muscle swelling and pain.
  • Use a cold or heat pack: place an ice pack to the side of your face for about 10 minutes. If recommended by your dentist, do jaw stretches then apply a warm compress for 5 minutes?
  • Avoid certain jaw movements: decrease extreme jaw movements like singing, yelling, yawning, or chewing.
  • Don’t rest your chin on your hand: Never hold the phone between your ear and shoulder and practice proper posture.
  • Relax: relaxation techniques will help loosen the jaw. Stress reduction therapy can go a long way in releasing tension in your facial muscles.

Schedule a consultation

If you are dealing with TMD, don’t hesitate to contact Broadway Family Dentistry. In addition to at home treatments, our practice offers more traditional methods to help relieve TMD pain. Call us today at (701) 839-1299 located in Minot, North Dakota.