Did you know that popping and clicking in your jaw joint (TMJ) and chronic neck and shoulder pain might be related? It's true. These are both symptoms of an uncomfortable TMJ disorder known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
What Is TMD?
TMD can cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms that occur when your jaw joint muscles aren't working properly. Some of the signs or symptoms of TMD are:
- Tooth clenching or grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw locking open or closed
- Popping or clicking TMJ upon opening or closing.
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Pain or tenderness during chewing
- Facial pain
- Earaches
- Frequent headaches or migraines
Many people experience multiple symptoms, which can significantly reduce the quality of their lives.
TMJ Treatment in Newport, VIC
Dr Meredith Metin and her team offer solutions for TMD, and the first step is getting to the root cause of your problem. Every case of TMD is different, so we take the time to properly diagnose your TMD before recommending a course of action. Some of the causes of TMD can be:
- Bite misalignment
- Stress or anxiety
- Bruxism
- Sleep apnoea
- Trauma
Once we've determined the root cause of your TMD, Dr Metin may recommend these treatments:
- Stress management — Activities like massage or yoga can help reduce stress and manage TMD
- Jaw muscle relaxation treatments — Dr Metin offers these treatments at our Newport dental clinic
- Orthodontic treatment — To correct bite and tooth misalignment
- Custom oral appliances — An appliance you wear at night to guard against the damage that's caused by bruxism
Looking for a Dentist for TMJ Near Newport?
Look no further than Portside Dental. Dr Metin and her team offer excellent solutions for TMD, and the first step is booking an evaluation. You can schedule an appointment by calling us on (03) 8820 1915, or you can request a visit online.
