When is it time to seek treatment for TMJ?

December 16, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — drfedosky @ 10:35 pm

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.

Is TMJ Causing My Headaches?

March 13, 2021

Filed under: TMJ — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — drfedosky @ 2:05 pm

Many people fall victim to headaches for a multitude of reasons. In fact, according to the WHO, “Half to three-quarters of adults aged 18–65 years in the world have had a headache in the last year and, among those individuals, 30% or more have reported migraine.”

The only way to get rid of these awful, nuisances are to get to the bottom of what is causing them. One of the causes of your headaches could be TMJ. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is a disorder of the jaw muscles and nerves caused by injury or inflammation to the temporomandibular joint.

How do you know if TMJ is causing your headaches or migraines? Make note of these signs next time your head is pounding.

Over-exertion of your jaw

Have you noticed that your headaches are more prominent after chewing tough food or gum, talking for lengthy periods of time, or any other intense jaw activities? Your headache may be related to TMJ. According to a study in the Journal of Pain, “Painful temporomandibular disorders were associated with a higher primary headache frequency.” Using your jaw just a little too much may trigger the headache.

 

Teeth Clenching

Do you clench your teeth before or after a headache? Let’s not rule out bruxism. Bruxism is unconsciously clenching or grinding your teeth while you’re awake or asleep. People who clench or grind their teeth (brux) during sleep are more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring and pauses in breathing (sleep apnea).

 

Try the “Pencil Test”

Although it’s not infallible, a way to test whether or not your TMJ is the cause of your headaches is to hold a pencil in your teeth while you’re experiencing the headache. If you feel relief or a reduction in pain, it could hint that TMJ is the root cause of your head pain.

 

If one or more of these signs are hitting home or if you’re finally looking for a solution to your headaches, contact Sleep Rehab for a TMJ consultation. We’re here for you.