Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) affects an estimated 20% to 30% of Americans. It is characterized in a variety of ways including popping and clicking of the joint, generalized discomfort in the jaws, limited mouth opening, significant wearing of the tooth enamel, and even headaches. TMD is an inflammation of the joint where the jaw connects to the skull. It is most often caused by the constant clinching and grinding of teeth, whether from stress or habit during sleep. An injury or sudden impact to the jaw can also inflame the joint and result in TMD.

Shot of a woman sitting on the side of her bed with bad toothache with her boyfriend in the background

The Comfortable Way To Alleviate Jaw Pain

Through simple lifestyle changes and the use of a nightguard, we can help you prevent costly, long term damage to your jaw or teeth. A custom nightguard from May Family Dental might help you:

  • Eliminate the grinding of teeth while you sleep
  • Eradicate the experience of lock-jaw in the mornings
  • Alleviate popping noises when moving your jaw
  • Relieve jaw tension and pain
  • Improve the mobility of your jaw for comfortable chewing
  • Protect the enamel on your teeth from additional wear
  • Slow down the loss of height of the teeth from persistent grinding

The jaw pain associated with TMD can be treated in a relatively short period of time if caught early enough. Combined with the use of a mouthguard, we may also suggest stress-reduction techniques and other non-invasive approaches. More severe cases may need to be referred to a specialist.

Why See A Dentist to Help With TMD?

Do you wake up in the mornings with a sore jaw or headache? These symptoms may indicate TMD. We can reliably diagnose TMD/TMJ in our office by examining your teeth and jaw, testing your bite, and taking x-rays to study your jaw.

Most cases of TMD can be relieved with a custom-made nightguard. These guards are made from simple impressions of your teeth, and are comfortably worn at night. Our nightguards are made from a durable acrylic material that is easy to clean and maintain.

Ready to Schedule an Appointment?

We would love to see you. The dentists at May Family Dental can see you in either our Logan, Ohio or Zanesville, Ohio locations for a thorough examination of your mouth and jaw in order to determine if you’re suffering from TMD and to recommend the best treatments.

Schedule An Appointment