Symptoms and Causes of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
Now that you are aware of what TMD is, you may be wondering what causes it and what symptoms you should look out for. It can be easy to notice these symptoms on yourself due to the fact that it is usually accompanied with some sort of discomfort. It is important to be observant and look for these symptoms, because with the help of a doctor you will be able to find a treatment plan that solves all of your problems!
Causes of TMD
Everyone is different, so the causes of TMD will vary from person to person especially when taking into account the severity of the situation. Typically, any injury involving your jaw, jaw joint, or the muscles in your neck can be a major contribution to TMD. These injuries can range from whiplash to a heavy blow to the face. In other instances, grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw can be a big factor. Putting any added stress on the jaw can cause an onset of TMD. In more serious cases, arthritis could be forming in the joint, causing you extreme discomfort. All of these instances can lead to a diagnosis of TMD.
Symptoms of TMD
Due to the pain and discomfort that TMD brings, it is often easy to determine that you may have TMD. You may experience temporary pain in your face, or pain that lasts for years if left untreated. Your jaw will be especially painful when you open your mouth to chew or speak.
Also, when eating you may notice a clicking or popping sound in the jaw, which becomes quite an annoying sound and feeling. In more serious cases, the jaw may even get stuck in the open or closed position. Keep a list of any symptoms you are noticing so that you can give your doctor a thorough synopsis of your pain.
Moving Forward
Once you have noticed yourself experiencing pains associated with TMD, contacting Dr. Kambiz Kashfian would be the next step for you. Dr. Kashfian will be able to point you in the right direction on the road to a pain free future!