For many people, the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJD, feel just like the symptoms of other common medical conditions, such as ear and sinus infections, facial nerve pain, tooth and gum conditions, vertigo, back and neck problems, headaches, and migraines.
As a result, many people living with TMJD spend years suffering in pain and visiting ENT specialists, dentists, chiropractors and orthopedists looking for – but never finding – a long-term solution for their pain or uncomfortable symptoms because treatments never target the root cause of their discomfort.
Dr. Alexandra specializes in treating TMJD using a neuromuscular approach and advanced technology to find and treat the source of your pain.
If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, you could have TMJD:
• Clicking and popping of the jaw
• Inability to fully open or close your mouth
• Locking of the jaw
• Soreness and pain around the jaw and cheeks
• Frequent headaches and migraines
• Pain in the upper back, neck or shoulders
• Feeling like your bite is “off”
• Excessive tooth wear and tooth loss
• Bruxism (tooth grinding) or clenching, particularly during sleep
• Difficulty chewing or pain when chewing
• Frequently biting your tongue or the inside of your cheek
• Ear pain or ringing in the ears
• Sore teeth and jaw
• Feeling off-balance or dizzy
Dr. Alexandra has attended the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and has completed more than 400 education hours, becoming one of the few dentists in the world to earn the LVI Fellow distinction. She specializes in treating TMJD using a neuromuscular approach and advanced technology to find and treat the source of your pain.
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Yes, early intervention is crucial for preventing severe TMJ symptoms. Correcting the bite early can relax tense jaw muscles and alleviate symptoms, potentially slowing, stopping, or reversing the damage caused by TMJD.
Common symptoms of TMJ issues include clicking and popping of the jaw, inability to open or close the mouth fully, jaw locking, soreness around the jaw and cheeks, frequent headaches and migraines, pain in the upper back, neck, or shoulders, an “off” bite feeling, excessive tooth wear, bruxism (tooth grinding), difficulty chewing, frequent biting of the tongue or cheek, ear pain or ringing, sore teeth and jaw, and feeling off-balance or dizzy.
Some lifestyle changes may help manage TMJ symptoms. Typical recommendations include stress reduction techniques, avoiding excessive jaw movements, adopting a soft food diet, and practicing jaw exercises to improve flexibility and reduce tension.
Preventing TMJ issues involves addressing the root causes, such as bite misalignment, and practicing good jaw health habits. These typically include avoiding habits that strain the jaw, maintaining proper dental care to prevent bite issues, and seeking early treatment for dental problems that could affect jaw alignment.
Yes, poor bite alignment can significantly contribute to TMJ symptoms. Misalignment forces jaw muscles to hold the jaw in an unnatural position, leading to strain, pain, and other TMJD-related symptoms. Correcting bite alignment is essential for relieving these symptoms.
