Millions of people nationwide experience persistent facial discomfort along with frequent, intense headaches. Often, these symptoms stem from Temporomandibular Disorder, commonly called TMD. Your jaw joints connect your lower jawbone to your skull through a hinge made up of a disc, muscles, and ligaments. These joints are in constant motion as you talk, chew, swallow, and yawn throughout the day. Experiencing pain around these joints can be distressing and might lead to restricted or locked jaw movement. Common signs of TMD include:
- Jaw area pain or tenderness
- Ear discomfort, ringing, or a feeling of fullness
- Recurring headaches or neck pain
- Clicking or popping noises when moving the jaw
- Muscle spasms near the jaw
- Changes in how your upper and lower teeth align
- Difficulty opening the mouth or jaw locking
If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact Dunn Orthodontics to arrange a consultation. Dr. Dunn provides a thorough evaluation to help identify TMD and develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at easing your discomfort. We proudly offer family, referral, and armed services discounts.
Not Every Jaw Ache Means TMD
If you suspect you have TMD, seeing Dr. Dunn for an assessment is a wise choice. But remember, jaw pain doesn’t always mean TMD. There are several practical ways to protect your jaw joints and maintain their health, including:
- Relax your face by keeping your lips gently closed and teeth apart
- Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth
- Limit chewing gum or other repetitive jaw movements
- Don’t cradle your phone between shoulder and ear—use a headset or hold the receiver
- Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth
- Avoid resting your chin on your hand
- Maintain good posture: keep your head up, back straight, and shoulders level
Approximately 30% of people will experience jaw joint issues at some point. So, get early help and enjoy relief by choosing your dental care at Dunn Orthodontics in Visalia, CA.
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