Livingston Dentists Offer Solutions for Popping Jaws

Does your jaw ever pop or crack? A popping jaw may be a sign of a serious and widespread disorder. In the United States alone, over ten million people suffer from TMJ disorder. Also known as TMD, TMJ disorder may eventually make opening your mouth difficult. At The Silverstrom Group, we offer treatment for TMJ disorder. In today’s blog, your Livingston dentists, Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom, discuss the causes of a popping jaw and recommend a simple treatment option.
What Causes a Popping Jaw?
TMJ disorder occurs when excessive stress is placed on the temporomandibular joints. These joints connect your jaw to the skull and control all jaw movement. Without these joints, you couldn’t eat or speak. Trauma, teeth grinding, or malocclusion all cause unnecessary jaw joint strain, leading to the painful symptom of TMJ disorder.
The Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
How do you know if you have TMJ disorder? There are a number of symptoms to watch for. In addition to a popping jaw, you may experience neck pain, shoulder discomfort, headaches, tinnitus, earaches, jaw pain, and facial discomfort. Patients who grind their teeth may experience toothaches and tooth sensitivity. Over time, grinding your teeth may lead to cracks, chips, or even worn down teeth.
Treating TMJ Dysfunction
First, yourLivingston NJ general dentists will diagnose your TMJ. For minor cases, they may recommend muscle exercises, compresses, and a diet of softer foods. For serious cases, Dr. David or Gary Silverstrom may prescribe an oral appliance. Similar to a night guard, this device addresses malocclusion by realigning the jaw. The night guard also reduces teeth grinding episodes by preventing the upper and lower teeth from touching.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Livingston NJ General Dentists
Do you exhibit one or more symptoms of TMJ disorder, including a popping jaw? Then talk to your Livingston NJ general dentists today. Dr. David Silverstrom or Dr. Gary Silverstrom will diagnose the cause and severity of your TMD, prescribing the most appropriate treatment. Contact The Silverstrom Group in Livingston, New Jersey by calling (973) 797-9345. The Silverstrom Group is located at 580 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston, New Jersey.