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You probably don’t think too much about your jaw – until something goes wrong with it. Once it hurts to take a bite out of your favorite sandwich or you can’t yawn without it clicking or popping, you’ll probably think a lot about the joint at the back of your mouth. Chronic jaw pain and headaches are common signs of TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), and, unfortunately, a number of TMD myths persist. Keep reading to find out what they are. Learning the real truth can help you find the relief you need – sooner rather than later.
#1 It’s Called TMJ
Most people refer to jaw pain as “TMJ”, but the real name for the disorder is TMD. Your TMJ is the temporomandibular joint itself, but your dentist or doctor will refer to the condition as TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder.
#2 My Headaches Are Separate from TMD
Think your TMD doesn’t have anything to do with your chronic headaches or migraines? Think again. It’s a common symptom of TMD – along with ear and neck pain, muscle spasms, numbness, teeth grinding, and of course the classic clicking and popping jaw.
#3 TMD Is Caused by Accidents
It’s true that an accident like whiplash or a sudden impact to the jaw can cause TMD, but so can other things – like the way your teeth are aligned, or frequent jaw clenching from tension or stress. So just because you haven’t been in an accident doesn’t mean that you aren’t dealing with TMD.
#4 My Jaw Stopped Clicking, So I Don’t Have TMD
You may be lucky and notice that after a while your jaw stops clicking and the discomfort subsides. Unfortunately, this will often be temporary. Without proper treatment, TMD will not go away on its own.
#5 You Should Just Live with TMD
And finally, one of the worst myths is that there is nothing you can do about TMD – so you should just live with it. This misconception causes too many people to live with something that is totally treatable. By working closely with your dentist and/or doctor, you can receive therapy for your jaw – and say goodbye to the clicking, popping, and discomfort for good.
There you have it! These five all-too-common myths about TMD persist despite being flat-out wrong. If you are struggling with jaw pain, set yourself straight and seek treatment sooner rather than later.
Meet the Practice
At Dentistry of Wisconsin, Dr. Derek Metzger, Dr. Nate Truckenbrod, and Dr. Madalyn Werner offer quality dental care for patients of all ages. In addition to a full menu of general dentistry services, they also provide treatment for patients suffering from TMD/TMJ pain. Learn more or schedule an appointment by calling (920) 887-2112 today.