TMJ/TMD
Clenching or Grinding Teeth
Houston, TX
TMJ/TMD - Say 'Goodbye' to Headaches and Jaw Pain! We are your TMJ dentist in Houston!
TMJ is short for Temporomandibular Joint. Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement. Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain as well as severe, recurring headaches. In some cases, this pain is due to Temporomandibular Disorder, also known as TMD.
Frequent headaches, aching or popping jaws, and neck and shoulder pain can all be signs you’re suffering from a TMJ disorder. When your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is out of alignment, your whole body can be affected. Worn or missing teeth, dental disease, or a variety of other factors can cause your jaw to be unable to settle into its appropriate relaxed position. This shifting of your jaw alters your “bite” (dental occlusion) and a host of other problems can result.
What are the Causes of TMJ?
- Injury to the teeth or jaw
- Misalignment of the teeth or jaw
- Teeth grinding
- Poor posture
- Stress
- Arthritis
- Gum chewing
What are the Symptoms of TMJ?
- Pain or pressure in the jaw area
- Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
- Frequent headaches, neck aches, and/or shoulder aches
- Clicking, grating, or popping sound when the jaw moves
- Muscle spasms in the jaw area
- A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
- Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth
- Uncomfortable bite
- Pain in your temple
- Stiff or sore jaw muscles
At Smiles of Memorial, we offer:
- Day Guards
- Night Guards
- Bite Adjustments
- Sensitive Teeth Treatments
If you notice that you are experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. Viet Tran can help determine if you have TMD and create a customized treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms.