Sometimes it can feel like an ear ache. Often times it leads to an outright headache. Temporal Mandibular Disorder causes pain and is often either referred to as TMJ (Temporal Mandibular Joint) or TMD (Temporal Mandibular Disorder). The acronyms both refer to that pain right behind the base of your ear where your jaw moves upward.

This is the joint that allows your jaws to open, close, and move sideways. If this joint is disrupted in its movement abilities, you can experience pain as frequent headaches, bothersome clicking and popping in the jaw, or pain in the face, neck, or even down through your shoulders.

Often times if individuals are experiencing the side effects of a misalignment in their temporomandibular joint that mostly show through as headaches or shoulder pain, they will go see a family or clinic doctor first. If you notice that when you eat chewy food that your jaw gets tired or if it’s practically impossible to finish a whole steak just because your jaw gets tired, you might very well have a misaligned joint. There are different areas in your mouth that can cause this, but your dentist will have to see your mouth to know exactly what kind of treatment you need. If you are seeking TMD treatment in Idaho Falls, give your dentist at Eagle Rock Dental Care a call very soon.

Idaho Falls: (208) 523-5400
Rexburg: (208) 359-2224
Arco: (208) 527-3472

You need to come let us take a look so we can tell you how we can best help you, but until you can come in to our office, here are some pain management tips.

1. Hot Washcloth

Try warming up some water to a level that will not burn you. Soak a hand towel or washcloth in the water than mostly ring it out. With your head face down, drape the warm cloth over your neck, jaw and face. The warm cloth will help you relax the muscles around that joint that are probably causing the misalignment and thus will alleviate some pain.

2. Avoid Chewy Foods

…and say ‘goodbye’ to gum. Every time you use those muscles when they are already tired, you’re not giving them a chance to repair. Until you can get to the dentist, try to choose foods that are easiest to eat. Sucking through straws and smoking should also be avoided.

3. Anti-inflammatories

Anti-inflammatories might help reduce swelling and pain. You should check with your primary doctor before taking any medication, but this might help relieve some jaw pain until you can get it looked at by a specialist.

Your Headaches May Be Bite Related
December 18, 2014