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tmj

Photography by Dr. Padval

Bruxism – Grinding and Clenching

What is Bruxism? Bruxism is the technical term for grinding and clenching that wears down teeth and may cause facial pain. People who grind and clench, called bruxers, unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times, such as in their sleep. In addition to grinding teeth, they also may bite their fingernails, pencils and chew the inside of their cheek. People usually aren't diagnosed with bruxism until it is too late because so many people don't realize they have the habit. Others mistakenly believe [...]

By |2024-09-02T14:42:40-07:00May 21, 2024|Preventative Dentistry|

Jaw Pain, Popping, or “Clicking”

Are You Experiencing Jaw Pain? Jaw pain can be a real annoyance. It can be especially disturbing when you have no idea about the cause of the underlying problem. And, since we use our jaws every day for eating and speaking, the pain is usually impossible to ignore. Different symptoms can be warning signs of a particular problem. However, only a visual examination can confirm a diagnosis and determine the root cause. If you are experiencing jaw pain, please don't hesitate to contact our [...]

By |2023-04-04T08:00:29-07:00April 4, 2023|Restorative Dentistry|

What Is TMJ?

Do You Have TMJ? Get diagnosed and receive treatment. TMJ is the abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint—the connection between the lower jaw (mandible) and the skull. When things are working normally, this joint opens and closes even and smoothly. Your teeth and jaw close and interact with perfect alignment. Other times, however, things can get a little "out of whack." TMJ disorders can cause jaw pain, clicking or popping within the joint, and headaches. It may be hard to identify the problems without a [...]

By |2022-04-05T08:00:43-07:00April 5, 2022|Restorative Dentistry|

Experiencing Jaw Pain?

Jaw Pain May Have Several Causes Sometimes jaw pain is just temporary. You may have over-used the muscles while chewing hard food, or even just slept on that side in an awkward position. Other times, however, chronic jaw pain can be a symptom of something more. It could be a problem associated with your TMJ (temporomandibular joint), and/or a malocclusion (poor bite) in which your teeth don't close together properly. TMJ Disorder Your temporomandibular joint is the connection between your lower jaw (mandible) and [...]

By |2021-07-20T08:00:31-07:00July 20, 2021|Restorative Dentistry|

Do You Have TMJ Pain?

Helping You Solve TMJ Pain Some 10 million people suffer from some form of TMJ Disorder: from clicking or popping whenever they yawn, to intense migraine-like pain in the area around their ears. The temporomandibular joint is the hinge between your jaw and skull. The bone and muscles permit your jaw to move—not just up and down, but left and right, in and out. This kind of complexity is what makes TMJ Disorder so common, and often so difficult to diagnose. Modern dentistry has [...]

By |2020-09-08T08:00:10-07:00September 8, 2020|Restorative Dentistry|

TMJ Symptoms

Know the Warning Signs! TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the connecting joint between the jawbone and skull. When muscles, jawbone, and teeth all operate properly, biting and chewing is coordinated to be smooth and pain-free. Sometimes, however, things can get "out of whack." When teeth don't line up properly in the upper or lower jaws, the extra muscular stress causes muscle and jaw pain. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain in the face, head, neck, and teeth, plus earaches [...]

By |2020-05-26T08:00:11-07:00May 26, 2020|Restorative Dentistry|

Oral Health Over 40

Common Problems in Mouths Over 40 Some oral health problems occur more frequently with age. Here, we list some of the most common and what can be done about them: Dry Mouth It's one of the most common problems associated with the older mouth. First, make sure you are staying properly hydrated, especially if exercising or in high temperatures. Also, keep in mind that medications and certain medical disorders can reduce saliva flow. Once the cause is identified, mouth rinses and sugarless candies can [...]

By |2019-10-08T08:00:18-07:00October 8, 2019|Restorative Dentistry|

Do You Have a Problem with TMJ?

Is TMJ causing my pain? TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. Located just in front of the ear, it is the joint that connects your lower jaw to the rest of your head, allowing the jaw to move freely while biting, chewing, and speaking. Problems related to the TMJ can affect jaw muscles, teeth, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Times of stress can cause or aggravate TMJ, since most of the discomfort is attributed to overuse of muscles during clenching or grinding of [...]

By |2019-04-09T08:00:11-07:00April 9, 2019|Restorative Dentistry|

Mystery Diagnosis… TMJ

Temporomandibular Joint disorder—TMJ—often disguises the source of the pain it inflicts. Although it originates in the jaw joint, sometimes the pain appears to emerge from an entirely different part of the head. Many people living with TMJ don't know what's behind their suffering. Their teeth themselves feel fine. So they suspect the flu, an allergy, or something psychosomatic. Something temporary. TMJ is not temporary! Symptoms range from mildly annoying discomfort to severe, debilitating pain in the face, head, neck, and teeth, plus earaches and [...]

By |2018-12-04T08:00:58-08:00December 4, 2018|Restorative Dentistry|

The Perils of a Bad Bite

No, we're not talking about being attacked by a junkyard dog. That's perilous enough. The bite in question here is your own bite—the way your lower teeth and your upper teeth come together. A bad bite can be responsible for several woes you might not necessarily connect, like headaches, unsightly teeth and TMJ disorder. Let's take TMJ first. That's short for temporomandibular joint—the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. It's stressed every day, just like your knee joint. When you eat, your [...]

By |2017-11-28T00:00:23-08:00November 28, 2017|Preventative Dentistry|