At Decatur Smiles in Decatur AL, we have been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry for years. Today’s post, however, focuses on TMJ, a common condition that can cause headaches and jaw pain.
TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint, which is the scientific name for your jaw joint. As a hinge joint, it can shift up and down, forward and backward, and side to side. All that mobility contributes to its vulnerability: it is subject to a painful condition called TMJ disorder. The good news? It’s treatable!
Now, there are other things that could be causing your pain. Malocclusion, or a bad bite, could be the reason. When teeth are misaligned, or if wisdom teeth have not been removed and have become impacted, it can cause the entirety of your jawline to change.
The domino effect of these issues can get pretty serious. For example, chewing difficulty can trigger ulcers and gum disease increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. Consider also how these problems can impact a patient’s emotional well-being and ability to perform their job.
If you’re not sure what is causing your jaw pain and headaches, we urge you to visit Decatur Smiles in Decatur AL as soon as possible. If we identify the signs of TMJ, we can offer TMJ treatment. If your pain stems from malocclusion, we offer orthodontic options like clear braces. Patients from North Athens, East Mooresville, and South Cullman trust us with their dental health and also come to us for dental implants. Contact us today!
Contact Decatur Smiles:
256-350-5820
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1316 Somerville Rd SE Ste 2
Decatur, Alabama
35601
