Do You Have TMD?

On Tuesday, we took a look at bruxism, a jaw joint disorder in which patients regularly grind their teeth. In today’s blog, we’re going to look at an often-related disorder, TMD, also known as TMJ disorder. How do you know if you’re one of the over 12 million people estimated to suffer from TMJ disorder?

Try Our Quiz on TMD

1. True or False: Popping in the jaw could be a warning sign.
2. True or False: Lack of treatment can lead to complications.
3. True or False: We can address TMJ disorder with an oral appliance.
4. True or False: The issue is often linked to bruxism.

Answer Key

1. True. Patients with TMJ disorder may notice soreness in the face or jaw, a popping or crackling sensation in the jaw, or a persistent headache. Factors that can lead to the onset of TMD include injury to the jaw, tooth loss, and misalignment.
2. True. The issue occurs when the jaws undergo excessive strain, eventually making opening and closing the mouth difficult. Without treatment, patients also experience more frequent headaches and greater pain in and around the jaw joints. Soreness when eating, especially hard or chewy foods, is common as well.
3. True. An oral appliance looks and functions much like a nightguard. However, the device also repositions the jaw to ease the strain on the jaw joints. You simply wear the device at night while you sleep. In some cases, we may also discuss orthodontic treatment with ClearCorrect, or placing a restoration, such as a dental crown or veneer, to improve the balance of your bite and reduce stress on the joints.
4. True. When you grind your teeth, you place pressure on the joints and make TMD more likely. Patients with TMJ-related issues are also at a higher risk of developing bruxism.

Ready to See the Dentist About TMD?

At Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, we can help address your TMJ disorder. We’ve proudly served our patients in Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.