For those who haven’t heard, November is National TMJ Awareness Month!
The TMJ is a joint found on either side of your face, just in front of the ear and connecting your skull to your lower jaw. Sometimes, this joint can get stiff or swollen and cause severe pain and discomfort, a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (or TMD).
TMD affects more than 10 million people in the United States, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. It needs to be taken seriously, as it affects the quality of life for so many.
We’ve discussed TMJ and TMD before, so I won’t beat the topic to death here, but I did want to remind everyone that Delicate Dental has a range of different treatment optionsfor TMD. We also offer Botox, which is unique among dental practices!
Know the Symptoms
Here are some of the most common symptoms of TMD:
- Aching in your ear, head, or face
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Restriction of movement in your jaw and mouth
- A click or pop when opening or closing your mouth
- Facial swelling
- Hot/cold teeth sensitivity
If you experience any of those symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with us. Call Delicate Dental Arts today to discuss treatment options — and stay aware of TMJ!
Making your teeth a work of art!
~Dr. Nancy Nguyen
