Does your jaw ever feel tight in the morning? Do you feel a “pop” sometimes when you open and close your mouth? If so, you may be one of many people suffering from a temporomandicular disorder (TMD). TMD occurs as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw.
TMD can be caused by any of the following:
• Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck — such as from a heavy blow or whiplash.
• Grinding or clenching teeth (often times this happens while sleeping)
• Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket
• Presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
• Stress
If you have jaw pain or it often gets “locked”, “pops”, or your mouth doesn’t seem to open as widely as it should, don’t hesitate in contacting our offices. While jaw issues may seem minor and easy to ignore, they can greatly decrease your quality of life. Dr. Gabhart has helped many patients recover from TMD. Let us help you!
