Is your bite causing headaches and other problems?
Do you suffer from headaches possibly caused by TMJ? Many people suffer from common ailments such as:
- Persistent headaches.
- Jaw pain.
- Neck or shoulder pain.
- Ringing in the ears.
- Popping of the jaw.
Others snore, grind their teeth or have limited jaw movement. Although these symptoms may be common, they are not necessarily untreatable.
Alignment of your teeth could be to blame
Often, the underlying cause of these symptoms is TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome) also known as TMD (temporomandibular disorder). This disorder can occur when your teeth do not close together properly. This includes underbites and overbites.
Misaligned teeth can cause your jaw muscles to strain to force your jaw into better alignment. This constant straining can lead to painful symptoms such as:
- Headaches or migraines.
- Facial pain.
- Neck and shoulder pain.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- Unexplained loose teeth.
- Sensitive or sore teeth.
- Jaw pain.
- Limited jaw movement.
- Locking jaw.
- Numbness in the fingers or arms.
- Worn or cracked teeth.
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joints.
Imagine forcing your arm and wrist into an awkward position to reach down a drain or under a sink. Now imagine doing that consistently each day. Although your body may become accustomed to the abuse, you will eventually manifest symptoms of overuse, including joint and muscle pain. TMJ is the same type of dysfunction due to inappropriate use of your jaw muscles.
How is TMJ in Red Deer, AB T4N 6V7 treated?
Try relaxing your jaw for a moment. Although you probably won’t be able to completely release all the tension, you should have a sensation of ease and balance in your face. Now, imagine biting your teeth together from that position, while continuing to maintain that full degree of relaxation. This is the position in which your jaw is naturally designed to rest.
Dr. Saby can help evaluate your bite and jaw joint relationship and let you know if you might be a candidate for bite therapy. In many instances, we can determine if this type of treatment is right for you by using an occlusal splint (sometimes called a night guard) to help us test the effects of changing your bite.
Is TMJ causing your painful symptoms?
TMD is a multi-factorial condition that may require treatment other than occlusal therapy. If this is the case, we’ll refer you to a physician or specialist to help you obtain a diagnosis.
If you are suffering from any over the above noted symptoms, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at our clinic in Red Deer, AB T4N 6V7. By working as a team with your other health care providers, in many cases we can help you find effective treatment options
Your health. Our focus.