The lower jaw is connected to the skull by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ disorders are characterized by stiffness, pain or locking of the jaw, or possibly tinnitus, headaches or vertigo. TMJ can be treated at home by eating soft foods, using ice to reduce swelling, or engaging in jaw-stretching exercises. Medications and therapies can
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The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull in front of the ears. Temporomandibular disorders are often called TMJ, but the proper abbreviation is TMD. Teeth grinding, arthritis in the joint, and stress can contribute to TMD. Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, a stuck jaw, trouble chewing, and possibly even headaches and tinnitus. Eating soft
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There are more than 30 medical conditions that can cause joint and muscle pain in the jaw. One group of these conditions is called temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This group includes three main classes, including disc disorders, muscle disorders, and headaches. While many TMDs will only last a short amount of time and then go away
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The pain can be horrific. The throbbing or sharp stabbing-like pain in your ear, jaw, face, or head can be all consuming. It disrupts your sleep – and your life! Eating may be agonizing. Even talking or smiling can exceed your pain threshold. Add in the sounds and vibrations of your jaw when you move,
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All anyone wants is a good night’s sleep. How well our day goes is often connected to how well we slept the night before. Sleep allows our body to rest, restore energy, and boost our immunity. However, obstructive sleep apnea can sabotage the quality of our sleep. As a result, not sleeping well can wreak
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Most of us live with some level of stress each day. Who hasn’t experienced a little stress? It should be a four-letter word! We agonize about any number of things, including our job, family, kids, health, and finances. Some of us manage stress better than others. Maybe stress has been heaped on you personally in
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Is it possible to have sleep apnea and not know it? And even if you do, so what, right? Well, not exactly. It is very possible to have sleep apnea and not know it. If you sleep with a partner, they may awaken and hear you gasping for air during the night. But if you
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Some dentists call it TMJ, others TMD. Either way, they’re related to problems with the jaw that affect around 35 million people in the U.S., according to the TMJ Association. Are these two terms really different from each other? If yes, is it important for patients and dentists to use the right term, namely in TMJ
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According to the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA), the majority of an estimated 22 million Americans don’t know they have sleep apnea. Snoring is usually a symptom, but it’s possible to snore but not have sleep apnea. Regardless, loud snoring brings about restless nights, dents healthy marriages, and may indicate poor health. For this reason,
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Not by a long shot. People seeking relief from TMJ, chronic headaches, facial pain and sleep disorders will not find help with a trip to your local pharmacy store. Your dentist, who cleans your teeth, may provide a mouth guard to fit you, but it won’t conquer your pain. Three types of night guards Store-Bought
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