Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is a disorder of your jaw joint. Bruxism is grinding, clenching or tapping your teeth. In many people these conditions can be quite painful. If you notice symptoms such as facial pain, pain in or around the ear, jaw tenderness, clicking or popping noises when opening or closing your mouth, headaches or neck pain, you need to be examined by Dr. Van Pelt. TMD and bruxism can sometimes go unnoticed which is one reason your yearly examination is so important. If TMD and bruxism are diagnosed early, they can be treated with appliances such as night guards and occlusal splints. Untreated TMD and bruxism can result in broken teeth, limited mouth opening and chronic pain.
