Dentist in Kirkland, WA discusses the symptoms of TMJ

Is there a clicking in your ears when you yawn? Do your ears hurt when you eat? Does your jaw freeze up at times? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder. Dr. Ann Kelley of Kingsgate Dental in Kirkland, WA offers treatment options for your TMJ needs.

What is TMJ?

Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ or TMJ disorder, involves dysfunction in the joint where the upper and lower jaw connect. Causes of TMJ include arthritis or bruxism. Bruxism is clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth. This is often the result of stress and is done while sleeping.

Symptoms of TMJ

Some of the signs and symptoms of TMJ include:

• Headaches, earaches, pain behind the eyes
• A popping sound when you open and close your mouth
• Pain when you yawn or open your mouth widely
• Pain when chewing
• Jaws that get stuck or lock
• Tenderness in the jaw muscles
• A change in the way the jaws meet

Treatment options

Early diagnosis is the key to any dental issue. When it comes to TMJ, early diagnosis means easing your pain and being able to eat, talk and yawn without discomfort. Treatment is available in the form of a night mouthguard. Mouthguards are used to protect dental work. In the case of TMJ and bruxism, the mouth guard protects the jaw by keeping a patient from grinding his or her teeth or clenching the jaw.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of TMJ, seek dental help. Dr. Ann Kelley and her friendly staff at Kingsgate Dental in Kirkland, WA are available to answer your questions regarding TMJ and your treatment options. Stop living with pain and call the office today at (425) 385-0080.

Ann Kelley, DDS

Dr. Ann Kelley is a graduate of the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. She highly values the comfort of her patients, and places the needs of the patient above her convenience. Her dental clinic is built to bring the best and most comfortable dental experience to all her patients. She builds relationships with her patients based on trust and always acts to safeguard this trust.