When you hear the words “jaw pain” or “facial pain,” you probably think of the TMJs (temporomandibular joints/jaw joints), which are the site of pain for patients who have TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder; many people refer to this disorder as simply “TMJ”). However, TMJ/TMD isn’t always...
Did you know that the onset of TMJ pain can occur during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the resulting physical and/or emotional stress? You probably expected pregnancy to be uncomfortable, but jaw pain probably didn’t come to mind. If you’re experiencing headaches, jaw pain, clicking,...
What Is TMJ / TMD? “TMJ” stands for temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. “TMD” refers to temporomandibular disorders, which cause jaw pain, facial tension, and problems with jaw movement. TMJ disorder results from various factors, such as teeth...
TMJ Disorders: What Are We Really Talking About? Let's clear up the confusion right out of the gate. "TMJ" stands for temporomandibular joint; that’s the scientific term for a jaw joint—the two hinges that let you talk, chew, yawn, and yell at the TV when your...
Along with rising incidents of anxiety and depression in the United States, dentists have also reported an increase in the number of cases of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). This begs the question for medical professionals whether there is a link between this condition and anxiety/depression...
Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) represents a common disorder that can cause serious pain and sometimes even permanently damage a person’s teeth and jaw. According to studies, there is a strong correlation between bruxism and stress-related disorders such as anxiety and depression. Although teeth...
For patients (and their spouses) who struggle with sleep apnea or snoring, mandible advancement devices such as morning repositioners that shift the jaw forward during sleep can make a major difference in sleep quality. Having the jaw shifted forward overnight can cause its own problems,...
Suffering from headaches on a regular basis is an unpleasant experience in all cases. When these events are severe or recurring, one question people ask themselves is whether it's a headache or a migraine. Being aware of the key differences between the two conditions can...
Sleeping Position If you're dealing with temporomandibular joint disorder(TMJ), you'll be all too aware of how much your jaw can hurt after a night spent clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth. What you might not have realized is that your sleeping position could contribute to...
Some people have weird habits that become part of their normal routine, even though they don’t do them consciously. Among those habits, one unusual habit is to grind your teeth while you sleep. This “habit” is actually a condition known as bruxism. Bruxism has negative...