Temporomandibular Joint Discomfort Should Not Be Ignored

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The temporomandibular joints that hinge your jaw play a vital role in your essential oral function. They allow you to open up your mouth for clear speech as well as allowing you to bite off pieces of food. A matrix of muscles and connective tissues also work in tandem to allow you to chew and grind food efficiently.

A dull ache or soreness in the muscles in front of the ears or near the temples as well as discomfort when biting down could herald the development of TMJ disorder. This chronic condition might also cause an abnormal click in one of the joints when chewing.

If you have noticed any symptoms like this, it’s best to have your TMJ disorder professionally diagnosed by a doctor like Dr. Carl McMillan. Once he assesses the severity of the problem he can help you understand an effective treatment strategy.

This often includes modest lifestyle modifications such as making softer food choices, applying hot or cold packs and performing facial stretching exercises. If you don’t experience significant symptom relief in a few weeks Dr. Carl McMillan might recommend a more advanced treatment plan.

If you live in the American Fork, Utah, area and you have been experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, you should call 801-756-0900 to seek professional diagnosis and treatment at TMJ Therapy.