The temporomandibular joints are the two joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. More specifically, they are the joints that slide and rotate in front of each ear, and consist of the mandible (the lower jaw) and the temporal bone (the side and base of the skull). You can feel these joints by placing your fingertips just in front of you ears and then opening and closing your mouth.

These two joints are among the most complex joints in the human body. They allow the mandible to move side to side, up and down, and forward and back. When the mandible and the joints are properly aligned, smooth muscle actions, such as chewing, talking, yawning, and swallowing, can take place. When these structures (including the connecting muscles and ligaments) are not properly aligned, several problems may occur. These disorders are called temporomandibular disorders, or TMDs.

The most common symptoms of a TMD include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Pain spreading behind the eyes, neck, or shoulders
• Earaches or ringing in the ears
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers
• Locking of the jaw
• Grinding of the teeth
• Jaw discomfort or soreness
• Clicking, locking, or popping of the jaw
• A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
• Sensitivity of the teeth without the presence of an oral health disease

Do You Have A TMD?

It’s important to understand that these symptoms are not exclusive to TMD. There can be other medical problems or conditions that result in similar or identical symptoms.

Headaches can also be caused by stress, dehydration, misalignment of the spine, lack of sleep, dehydration, diet, hormonal changes, caffeine withdrawal, allergies, high blood pressure, infections, concussion, medication overuse, alcohol, smoking, and dehydration.

Dizziness can also be caused by dehydration, low blood pressure, anemia, inner ear infections, medication side effects, blood sugar imbalances, ear infections, vertigo, stress, or neurological conditions.

Pain spreading behind the eyes, neck, or shoulders can also be caused by eye strain, sinus infections, cervical spine issues, poor posture, stress, muscle tension, or even more serious conditions like meningitis or optic neuritis.

Earaches or ringing in the ears can also result from ear infections, fluid buildup, allergies, sinus infections, altitude changes, throat infections, swimmer’s ear, and colds or flu.

Numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers can also be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve compression, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, poor circulation, repetitive strain injuries, cervical spine issues, or infections.

Locking of the jaw can also result from trauma, tetanus, arthritis, tumors, or some neurological conditions.

Jaw discomfort or soreness can also be caused by arthritis, other dental issues like cavities or abscesses, misaligned teeth, gum disease, and sinus infections.

The only way we can determine if you have TMD, or if your symptoms are a result of TMD, is by a performing a thorough examination.

Considering a Holistic Treatment for TMD

Holistic dentistry offers various approaches to address temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) by focusing on whole-body health, natural treatments, and minimally invasive techniques. If these are important factors in determining treatment options, then a holistic treatment may be right for you.

If we find that you in fact have a TMD, there are treatment options.

Depending on your condition, behavior, symptoms, and extent of your TMD, we may have to treat your condition with some form of dental splint.

Bite Guards are the most common treatment for moderate TMJ symptoms. They are custom-fit to your mouth and stabilize your teeth, which helps prevent grinding. Other types of splints can treat conditions during sleep, or stabilize or immobilize teeth as needed to improve the condition.

But keep in mind the our approach is, and has always been, holistic. What caused the condition will be taken into consideration. Although a dental splint may be the fastest and most effective way to correct the situation, there may be more to your overall health that led to the condition in the first place.

Supplemental Treatment Options for TMJ Relief

Holistic dentistry must factor in whole body care. Here are a few ways that can help manage TMJ, and manage pain naturally:

1. Stress Management
Since stress can exacerbate TMD, here are a few techniques that can bring about pain relief:
– Meditation
– Yoga
– Breathing exercises
2. Nutritional Support
Dietary changes can reduce inflammation and promote joint health. These include:
– Eat anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, leafy greens, and turmeric.
– Avoid processed foods and sugar.
– Supplement with magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, or collagen.
3. Physical Exercises
For some, it may be best to strengthen the jaw muscles. To do so, try:
– A gentle biting exercise to strengthen and relax the jaw muscles.
– Collaboration with a physical therapist or chiropractor for posture correction and muscle tension relief.
4. Herbal Remedies
Reducing inflammation reduces symptoms. You can use:
– Topical applications of essential oils like lavender or peppermint for pain relief.
– Herbal teas such as chamomile or valerian root can help to reduce stress and inflammation.
5. Preventative Measures
These can be done on a daily basis for pain relief.
– Warm compresses to relax the jaw muscles, before and after meals.
– Avoid hard or chewy foods to reduce strain on the TMJ.
– Practice good posture.
– Avoiding habits that may cause pain like gum chewing or nail-biting.

What To Do If You Think You Have A TMD

There’s no reason to live in pain. There are holistic and natural treatment options available. If you suspect that you have a TMD of any kind, we suggest that you get an exam immediately.

At Dental Arts and Wellness, we base your treatment on several factors, including:

• How old you are
• Your overall health and medical history
• How well you can handle specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
• How long the condition is expected to last
• Your opinion or preference

All of these factors enter into our holistic treatment plan. And we’ve been treating TMDs for over 25 years. You deserve the best natural treatment in Lake Oswego. Call today to schedule an examination.