You wake up with a dull ache in your jaw. Or maybe you notice a popping sound when you chew gum or yawn. Some days, your temples throb even though you don’t have a sinus infection or a migraine. If any of that sounds familiar, you might be dealing with a TMJ disorder. And you’re not alone.
Dr. Don Alexander sees patients in his Jacksonville office all the time who have been living with these symptoms for months or even years. Many don’t realize their dentist can help. But at Alexander Dentistry, we specialize in treating complex dental problems; and TMJ disorder is one of the most common ones we see.
First, What Is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. That’s the hinge on each side of your jaw, right in front of your ears. It lets you open and close your mouth to talk, chew, and yawn.
When that joint isn’t working quite right, it’s called a TMJ disorder, or TMD. It’s not one single problem. It can involve the joint itself, the muscles around it, or even how your teeth come together when you bite.
Signs You Might Have a TMJ Problem
TMJ disorders show up differently for different people. Here are the most common signs we hear about from patients:
- Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing, talking, or opening wide
- Popping, clicking, or grinding sounds when you move your jaw
- Jaw that gets stuck or feels locked open or closed
- Headaches or migraines that seem to come from your temples
- Ear pain, ringing, or stuffiness without an infection
- Pain in your face, neck, or shoulders
- Teeth that are worn down, chipped, or sensitive (often from grinding)
Some patients have just one or two of these. Others have several. The important thing is that you don’t have to live with discomfort.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
There’s rarely one single cause. More often, it’s a combination of things:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) – which puts constant pressure on the joint
- A bad bite – when your upper and lower teeth don’t meet evenly
- Jaw injury – from a fall, accident, or even whiplash
- Arthritis – which can affect the jaw joint like any other joint
- Stress – which makes you clench without realizing it.
At Alexander Dentistry, Dr. Alexander takes time to figure out what’s really driving your symptoms. Because treating the wrong thing won’t fix the problem.
How We Treat TMJ in Jacksonville
The good news is most TMJ disorders can be treated without surgery. We start with the least invasive options and go from there.
For many patients, a simple oral appliance (similar to a nightguard) helps take pressure off the joint and stops teeth grinding. Others benefit from gentle exercises, adjusting how they rest their jaw, or even replacing old fillings that changed their bite over time.
Every treatment plan is personal. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.
Don’t Ignore Your Jaw Pain
Some people put up with TMJ symptoms because they don’t think it’s serious. But over time, an untreated TMJ disorder can lead to worn teeth, changes in your bite, and more constant pain.
You don’t have to guess on your own. If you live in Jacksonville, call our office today at 904-372-8157 or schedule an appointment online. Dr. Alexander has over 20 years of experience helping patients find real relief. Let’s figure out what’s causing your jaw pain and get you feeling better.