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Treat Yourself to a
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tmj & headachesThe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is, simply stated, your jaw joint. It is located directly in front of your ears on each side of your head. The TMJ allows your lower jaw to move up and down and from side to side when you chew, talk and swallow. You can locate this joint by putting your fingers forward of that triangular structure in front of your ear or by putting your little finger in the ear canal and opening and closing your mouth. In people with TMJ disorders, this simple maneuver often causes pain. TMJ dysfunction can cause ear pain, sore jaw muscles, temple or cheek pain, toothache-like pain, jaw popping and clicking, difficulty opening the mouth fully and frequent head and neck aches. Problems that originate in the temporomandibular joints can often be resolved simply and quickly by simply eating soft foods, avoiding gum chewing, avoiding clenching, using over-the-counter pain relievers or relaxing the muscles with moist heat. However, at times, treatment by a dental professional is necessary. Dr. Ellis has both the training and experience to diagnose TMJ problems and solve those problems with the most appropriate therapy, which most often, consists of an intra-oral appliance to relax the jaw muscles. When more involved treatment is required, procedures will be fully explained before treatment is undertaken. |