This two-part article series provides an in-depth discussion of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and its various causes, symptoms and treatment options.

Welcome to the second half of this two-part article series on the causes and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), as well as the various treatment options available for this painful condition. Previously, in Part 1, we spoke to an experienced dentist in New York City who explained what TMD was and that the most common causes for it are stress-induced jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Since it’s not always possible to tell if you do these things yourself – because they’re often done subconsciously or while you’re asleep – it’s advisable that you seek professional attention from a dentist for a diagnosis. This is especially the case if you ‘ve been experienced TMD-like symptoms.

Speaking of which, what ARE the symptoms of TMD? Let’s take a look at them before moving on to explaining the various treatment options available to sufferers…

The Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

• A dull ache in the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, as well as the neighboring areas.

• Pain in the jaw muscles, head, neck and even shoulders.

• Stiffness of the jaw muscles and difficulty opening and closing your mouth.

• A limited ability to open your mouth or even a total locking of the jaw.

• A bite that doesn’t feel quite right: as though your jaws aren’t aligned properly.

• Difficulty seeing properly. TMD can actually cause vision problems and dizziness.

• An audible popping, clicking or grating sound when you open and/or close your mouth.

• Earache or a feeling of pressure in your ears. TMD has also been linked with tinnitus: a persistent ringing sound.

• Chronic headaches that can make you feel quite nauseous.

“TMD can present with only one or even multiple symptoms,” explains the New York dentist. “If, however, the symptoms you experience are persistent or recurring and are becoming taxing upon your quality of life, it’s important that you seek medical attention right away. While TMD can sometimes go away on its own, there’s no point living with chronic headaches and pain when treatment is readily available.”

What Are The Treatment Options Available for TMD?

“In most cases, the best and most effective, if not the only treatment option available to New Yorkers with mild and sporadic TMD symptoms is therapeutic in nature. By keeping your jaw as still as possible and by applying cold and heat packs to the side of the face, you can give the jaw the rest it needs for the inflammation to die down,” advises the dentist. “Stick to soft foods, don’t chew gum and avoid opening your mouth very wide just for one or two weeks or until the symptoms ebb.

“It is also advisable that you have a mouth guard custom made for you so that you prevent the (common) cause of TMD and that’s teeth grinding. For more advanced and severe cases of TMD, surgery may be required, although this really is a last resort. Only a qualified dental professional will be able to advise you accordingly.”

“Mouth guards or retainers prevent the upper and lower teeth actually coming together, which saves you from the kind of wear-and-tear that could eventually land you up needing new teeth,” says a dentist in New York City.

Life in the Big Apple can be stressful, but a smile goes a long way to lighting up your day, so do what you can to prevent the extreme discomfort and damage associated with teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Wearing a mouth guard at night is hardly any trouble at all when you consider the alternative!