When is it time to seek treatment for TMJ?

December 16, 2021

It’s easy to write off a little bit of jaw pain. You may consider it mild and continually put seeking help lower and lower on your to-do list. Maybe you don’t think there is any valid treatment for your jaw pain. Whatever the reason, it’s important to seek assistance for your jaw pain sooner than later. TMJ is a serious disorder that can evolve into other issues over time.

What Symptoms to Look For

You may be experiencing one of these symptoms, or you may experience several of them. Either way, TMJ can get worse over time, so if you have even the slightest problem on the list below, it may be time to consult with a professional.

  • Jaw pain
  • Headaches
  • Earaches
  • Pain in the neck or shoulders
  • Difficulty opening your mouth wide
  • Jaws that “lock” in the open- or closed-mouth position
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing your mouth
  • A tired feeling in your face
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Tinnitus, or ringing in your ears
  • Changes in the way your teeth fit together
  • Swelling on the side of your face
  • Tooth pain

There are also signals that you may develop TMJ. It may be worth booking an appointment if you grind or clench your teeth, as this can lead to TMJ dysfunction. And not to worry – not every solution is surgical. At Sleep Rehab, all of our TMJ appliances are non-surgical and non-invasive.

Remember: It’s never too early to find solutions for TMJ, but it can be too late. Be ahead of the problem and schedule a visit with Sleep Rehab today.

How TMJ Affects Us As We Age

September 16, 2021

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are defined by Johns Hopkins Medicine as “the 2 joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. More specifically, they are the joints that slide and rotate in front of each ear, and consist of the mandible (the lower jaw) and the temporal bone (the side and base of the skull).”

As you can tell, these are complex joints that can cause complex issues, which we call Temporomandibular disorders (TMD). These disorders of the jaw and muscle can cause intense facial pain. And usually, this doesn’t just happen overnight. These issues can appear as a result of activities and changes over time, beginning as early as our teens.

Teens and TMJ

Sleep Rehab TMJ Solution

Any stressor on the jaw can contribute to TMD. This can be processed foods, high-impact sports like football or cheerleading, and chewing on pen caps or gum. These activities push our jaw backward, which puts stress on the joint, causing tension until our late teens or 20s when the jaw reaches adult size.

Adults and TMJ

Between demanding jobs and daily obligations, adult life can be stressful. For the people that didn’t begin to develop TMD as a teen, the start of TMD can happen from teeth grinding and clenching, causing the jaw to misalign. Car accidents, falls and facial trauma can all be causes of TMD development as well.

Environmental Evolution

Another interesting consideration is that TMD is likely a cause of the industrial revolution. Our teeth and jaws have shifted and changed as a result of how our diets and accents have evolved over time.

Whether you started developing TMD in your early life or as an adult, there are solutions. Contact Sleep Rehab today to request an appointment to help relieve your facial pain!