TMJ Disorders in Grand Rapids, Michigan
TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder in Grand Rapids, MI is a common condition that can cause pain in the mouth and jaw. TMD often leads to headaches. If you are experiencing these symptoms, Dr. Stephen Schmid recommends visiting your dentist for an examination if TMJ Grand Rapids services are needed.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
A common symptom of TMJ Grand Rapids is pain in the mouth or jaw, which may also lead to headaches. Sometimes people can feel like they have a ball stuck in their throat when swallowing and more frequent occurrences are related to stress. Some other symptoms include clicking joints, difficulty chewing or opening your mouth wide enough for certain activities (such as brushing teeth), earaches, neck discomfort/spasms due to tension around this area from head trauma or clenching during sleep, throwing out one's shoulders while yawning with an open mouth repeatedly as well as sensitivity to light touch on these areas TMJ specialist Grand Rapids MI.
Diagnosis and Treatment for TMJ Disorders
The diagnosis for TMJ Grand Rapids is made by a dentist, physician, or another medical specialist. They may use an X-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans of the joint area and muscles around it as well as taking some notes on how symptoms are being experienced to help with their examination. A general TMJ treatment Grand Rapids plan will be based on each person's individual needs but can include pain medication, muscle relaxants/anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy/exercises that focus mainly on massaging the jaw and facial muscles if not done already in conjunction with prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies such as ice packs applied directly to areas where there is inflammation followed by heat treatments if needed and TMJ splints which work.
Living with a TMJ Disorder
It is important to visit a dentist if TMJ Grand Rapids services are needed. It may be the case that some things can be done on your own for relief, such as using ice packs and heat treatments or taking over-the-counter medication in conjunction with prescription drugs where necessary. However, it is also possible for symptoms of TMD to get worse without medical treatment from TMJ specialist Grand Rapids MI so it's best not to wait too long before getting help from a professional.
Prevention of a TMJ Disorder
Some things that can be done to help prevent TMJ Grand Rapids are taking care of your teeth by brushing and flossing them as well as maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, avoiding repetitive jaw movements such as clenching or grinding one's teeth (especially during sleep), not opening the mouth too wide when yawning often which may lead to throwing out one's shoulder muscles, chewing gum after eating in order to stimulate saliva production, wearing a nightguard if you grind/clench your teeth at night while sleeping. Mouthguards for sports participation should also be worn so they don't trigger contact with your back molars from someone else who is playing on your team center for sleep apnea and TMJ Grand Rapids.
Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ, PC
4820 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 454-1482
https://sleepandtmjcenter.business.site/