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We’re Observing TMJ Awareness Month

Live Life Smiling

We’re Observing TMJ Awareness Month
  • Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics
  • November 3, 2022

AROUND 35 MILLION people in the US are affected by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJ), which is why we’re observing TMJ Awareness Month. Our jaws get an almost constant workout throughout the day. We open and close our mouths over and over to talk, chew, and yawn. For most people, all of the anatomy in the joint works the way it should and these are all easy tasks to perform, but sometimes something can go wrong.

The Anatomy of the Jaw Joints

The hinge joint on either side of the jaw, located between the cheekbone and ear, has three components: the socket in the temporal bone, the ball at the top of the jawbone, and a small fibrous disk acting as a cushion between the two. The ball and socket are each covered in cartilage to make the movement comfortable and smooth.

If the fibrous disk shifts out of its correct alignment or erodes, if arthritis wears away the cartilage, or if the joint is damaged in a traumatic injury, the result could be TMD.

Common Symptoms of TMD

The symptoms of a problem with the temporomandibular joint often include:

  • A grating sensation when chewing, or clicking and popping sounds in the joint
  • Tenderness or pain in the jaw
  • Pain in one or both jaw joints
  • Painful or difficult chewing
  • Aching pain around the face
  • Pain in and around the ear
  • Locking of the jaw joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth

Quick Tips for TMD Relief

There are several things we can do at home to relieve TMJ discomfort:

  • Avoid extreme jaw movements when singing or yelling, when possible
  • Control yawns by pressing a fist beneath your chin
  • Stick to small movements while chewing
  • When resting, hold your teeth a little apart instead of fully closing your jaws. (This is the natural resting position of the jaw, whether lips are open or closed.)

How TMD Is Treated

Most cases of TMD are temporary and resolve on their own after a week or so, but not always. If your symptoms persist, and particularly if they get worse, then your jaw likely needs treatment. Treatments we may recommend include ice packs, exercise, moist heat, medication, and splints. If none of these helps, ultrasound treatment, trigger-point injections, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) would likely be the next steps. Extreme cases can be treated with jaw surgery.

Let Us Know About Your TMD Symptoms

If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms listed above, don’t leave the dentist out of the loop! Make sure to tell us about your symptoms when you come in for your regular appointment, and if that’s too far away, schedule one specifically to discuss them with us! We can discover what’s causing the problem and recommend the best steps to take next.

Let’s defeat TMD together!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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Patient reviews

EVERY SMILE TELLS A SPECIAL STORY

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our community with excellent care and take pride in our mission of having a patient-centered philosophy. Check out what our patients are saying about us!

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Shannon P.
Great service,very well mannered. fast and very clean. My daughter got spacers put in they got her back and done within 15 minutes
Shannon P.
Great service,very well mannered. fast and very clean. My daughter got spacers put in they got her back and done within 15 minutes
Caroline Z.
Holmes and Palmer is the epitome of professional and kindness. What can be a scary and uncomfortable experience for a kid is made fun and happy here. My oldest is in the final stages of braces, and it’s been a smooth process for us. He’s always excited to visit the office. My middle son visited for a consult and left excited for braces, and as a Mom, that’s all you can ask for.
Caroline Z.
Holmes and Palmer is the epitome of professional and kindness. What can be a scary and uncomfortable experience for a kid is made fun and happy here. My oldest is in the final stages of braces, and it’s been a smooth process for us. He’s always excited to visit the office. My middle son visited for a consult and left excited for braces, and as a Mom, that’s all you can ask for.
Jamie R.
Every experience has been a good experience. Their staff has always been exceptionally friendly and helpful, and the doctors provide the upmost knowledge, allowing the parents to make confident decisions regarding our child’s care.
Jamie R.
Every experience has been a good experience. Their staff has always been exceptionally friendly and helpful, and the doctors provide the upmost knowledge, allowing the parents to make confident decisions regarding our child’s care.
kristin W.
I will never go anywhere else for my children’s dental care! They never disappoint when it comes to professionalism and fun, no one in Huntington can compare. I would give them 10 stars out of 5 if I could.
kristin W.
I will never go anywhere else for my children’s dental care! They never disappoint when it comes to professionalism and fun, no one in Huntington can compare. I would give them 10 stars out of 5 if I could.
Christina S.
Very family friendly atmosphere! Fun office! Down to earth and kind staff! 10/10 recommend!
Christina S.
Very family friendly atmosphere! Fun office! Down to earth and kind staff! 10/10 recommend!
Kisha F.
Love the staff they are so kind and really good with my children! So kind and patient positive and polite! They answered all of our questions. My children love coming here!
Kisha F.
Love the staff they are so kind and really good with my children! So kind and patient positive and polite! They answered all of our questions. My children love coming here!
Christina A.
We love Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics! They are Great! The atmosphere is amazing the staff is always kind and welcoming!
Christina A.
We love Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics! They are Great! The atmosphere is amazing the staff is always kind and welcoming!
Cathy D.
Holmes and Palmer have been wonderful to deal with as we have entered this new world of braces. They have kept our daughter calm and comfortable, all while providing education to all of us brace beginners.
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  • 867 Oakwood Road
    Charleston, WV 25314
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    Hurricane, WV 25526
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  • Huntington, WV
  • 451 Kinetic Drive Suite 200
    Huntington, WV 25701
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  • Ashland, KY
  • 2000 Carter Ave.
    Ashland, KY 41101
  • 606-388-2561

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