Damage to the TMJ ligaments and disc results in joint sounds in most people. Clicking, popping, or grinding noises in the jaw joints (TMJ) indicates that ligaments have torn and the cartilage “disc” is being damaged and isn’t protecting the condyle. Eventually the popping and clicking “goes away” when the joint is rubbing “bone on […]
All Posts Tagged: tmj
Accutane, Bruxing and TMJ
Recently, a patient presented with “clicking” that has progressed to having a locked left jaw in the morning. They can “unlock” it easily at this point. The clicking symptoms started when they were taking Accutane for acne and the clicking seemed to resolve when Accutane was discontinued. Did Accutane have anything to do with this? […]
The TMJ Treatment Debate Debunked
If you search for advice with TMJ problems, some sites suggest simple self-care is all you should do. And they say it’s a “self-limiting muscle tension problem” that will resolve. Decades ago that might have been believed. With improved imaging technology, there is understanding of the progressive damage to the TMJ (one study showed nearly […]
You, The Well-Informed Parent: Advocate for Your Children and Teens!
In my last post, it was my intention to pay attention to how your children are sleeping (or not). If YOU are awake much of the night…perhaps you need a screening for a sleep breathing disorder! A variety of symptoms can present when children/teens don’t get the proper quantity and quality of sleep regularly. Children […]
A Note From The Experts of TMJ/Craniofacial Pain
I attended the annual conference of the leading TMJ/Craniofacial pain organization this past month in which I hold a Fellowship status (AACP). After hours, I was able to spend more time with friends and mentors, often we learn as much sharing ideas and techniques as in the actual conference. There is an increasing awareness and […]
No Pain, No Problem?
Is asymptomatic the same as “normal” and is “No pain, No problem” the standard of TMJ care today? Many chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and neck problems go on for years without pain or notable symptoms by patients. TMJ dysfunction is also a progressive, measurable problem that ultimately leads to […]
Aggressive TMJ Arthritis in Teenage Girls – Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Over the past few years, I have seen a growing number of young women and girls with aggressive, degenerative arthritis in their TMJ joints. They didn’t have pain until the damage was late, usually a couple years after clicking started in their joint. Clicking in a TMJ means that the cartilage disc has torn off […]
TMJ and Scuba Diving
Over the years I’ve seen a few patients whose TMJ symptoms started while scuba diving. Some had been diving for a longer time, while other patients it occurred on their first open water dive. A recent article [1] surveyed divers regarding dental pain and reported barodontalgia (tooth ache from ambient pressure change) in 42% of […]
Waking the Dead (and grumpy): Teenagers and Sleep
Why is it that getting our teenagers up and going is sometimes such a battle? We nag them to get up, they want to sleep longer We’re in a hurry- they can’t seem to get out of bed They stay up too late… Actually, it’s not totally their fault. As kids enter teenage years their […]
A Good Night’s Sleep
Walking through the airport I saw a cover of Consumer Reports regarding how to sleep better. It reviewed all types of mattresses, pillows, sleep positions, etc. suggesting that this is the primary cause of poor sleep. Not most likely. While discomfort in your neck, back, or hips can disturb your sleep, the PRIMARY cause of […]
