The health of your teeth is closely related to the health of your jaw. Dental and periodontal problems, left unchecked, can have disastrous effects on your jawbone, and vice versa. This is why our Federal Way family dentistry wants you to be on the lookout for the warning signs of Temporomandibular Disorders, or TMD’s. These warning signs of TMD/TMJ can include the following:
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Pain or a tender feeling in the face, jaw joint, neck, or shoulders, particularly when you are exercising the jaw.
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If you grind your teeth, this may either be a cause or a symptom of a TMD.
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A decreased ability to open the mouth wide.
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Jaws that lock into position.
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Clicking, popping, or grating in the jaw when you open and close your mouth.
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Tired facial muscles.
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Changes in the way your teeth fit together.
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Swelling on either side of the face.
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Toothaches.
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Headaches.
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Dizziness.
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Earaches, hearing problems, or tinnitus.
If you suspect that you might have a TMD, consult our dentist at our Federal Way dentistry.
