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Do You Have TMD?

Woman with a toothache

Have you ever woken up in the morning with an aching or sore jaw? Does it hurt to open your mouth or chew food from time to time? If you suffer from headaches or jaw aches, you may suffer from temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMD targets the jaw joint know as the temporomandibular joint. It is also problematic to the jaw itself and the muscles used to chew food. Research indicates that nearly one third of adults in the USA have at least one side effect of TMD.

Dull, constant headaches are more common than intense jaw pain when it comes to TMD. Many times a person suffering from TMD has a jaw that pops or clicks. Other people report that their teeth don’t fit together like they used to. Additional symptoms include dizziness, neck pain and stuffed up ears or a ringing sensation in the ears.

There are a number of things that can cause TMD; it can be as simple as getting knocked in the face by an elbow, ball or pillow fight. In most cases, stress is the primary culprit for TMD. Sore jaws usually result from clenching or grinding teeth during the night. Nearly 30% of people that struggle with grinding their teeth have jaw pain. Many times people unconsciously clench their teeth all throughout the day unknowingly.

Experts report that it is best to treat TMD slowly as nearly 40% of symptoms clear or get better on their own. Here are some tips often recommended by dentists to help alleviate painful and bothersome symptoms of TMD:

  • If you are hurting, try minimizing how much you open your mouth when yawning
  • Believe it or not, laughing can hurt so if you are in pain – ease up on laughing
  • Take note of clenching or locking your teeth in stressful situations throughout the day
  • Do not chew gum and do not bite your fingernails or chew on pencils or pen caps
  • Try cutting food into smaller bite size pieces, chew slowly and eat softer foods

If your symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks, contact your dentist. Many times, a customized night guard can take care of the problems from TMD. Some general dentists may recommend a shot of Botox, Xeomin or Dysport which can be used to relax the problematic muscles in the jaw. If you have questions regarding TMD, ask Dr. Morris.

Posted on behalf of Mitzi D. Morris

1295 Hembree Rd, Suite B202
Roswell, GA 30076

Phone: 678-459-2990

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Our Patient Reviews

Mitzi D. Morris, DMD, PC

4.8/ 5.0

Based on 44 reviews

  • Dr. Morris is an excellent dentist. Her ability to relate to her patients makes her a stand-out amongst those in her profession. She practices dentistry with superior technique and care. Her staff is friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I feel she hires only the best! One special mention: I suffer from panic attacks at times- along with claustrophobia. Dr. Morris is the first dentist I have ever had who helped calm my fears. Thus, my experience exceeded expectations! Great service!

    Cathy Q
  • Definitely would recommend Dr. Morris to anyone. She has been my dentist for over 8 years! Dr. Morris is extremely personable and is serious about the completing the best care possible. Great established dental team! Very accommodating to your schedule.

    Kelly T
  • Great and very educational experience. Compared to my last two dentists this experience blows them both out of the water. The staff is very friendly, and very helpful. I had to go in for a total of four visits a few weeks apart from each other. They made me feel very comfortable the entire time and kept making sure I was pleased. Getting a deep cleaning went very smoothly. It was also brought to my attention that the way I was flossing was incorrect. And have since changed methods. I worked specifically with Dr. Morris. She was very nice, and took the time to explain things. Which is a huge plus for me. Dr. Morris and the staff members worked effortlessly together. I was comfortable enough to sit back and relax, strangely enough, while having cavities drilled and fillings put in. Billing and scheduling appointments, as well as follow up for confirmation of upcoming appointments was very easy. I will say my favorite part of the experience was how friendly of an environment the staff has created. That alone is deserving of a 5 star review, and the rest is honestly icing on the cake. I highly recommend this practice on all fronts and will continue using them!

    Eric F
  • I transferred from a long-term and very good relationship with my former dentist because of a move, and I was a little apprehensive about a new dentist. Dr. Morris has been great. She is friendly, patient-concerned and the office is new, comfortable and clean. Everyone seems to enjoy working there. I feel like I'm in good hands!

    Christopher P
  • Dr. Morris and her staff are very professional. Additionally, she as well as her staff have an excellent "bedside manner." The office is new and well equipped. If one has an appointment and an earlier one opens up, Dr. Morris offers it to her patients as she did with my last appointment.

    David G
  • I have never met a staff so nice and charming. This staff will make you feel comfortable and relaxed in Dr. Morris's Spa like office and everyone is professional and approachable too. Andrea R. explained the process of my appointment and procedures and is definitely a highly-educated and thorough dental hygenist -- SHE IS A ROCKSTAR. I'm so glad that Dr. Morris and her dental team have been my "go-to" for the last 5 years, and I wont be going anywhere else! Overall - A++ Dr. Morris...highly recommended to my family and friends!!!

    Adam O
  • I've been a patient of Dr. Mitzi Morris for many years, and recommend her without reservation. The office is modern. clean and spacious. The staff has always been welcoming and very helpful. And the women who work for her as dental technicians are fantastic; they do a professional and effective deep cleaning, but with a careful, gentle touch. It is clear to me that Dr. Morris reads her professional journals and upgrades her practice to stay very current with the latest best practices in dentistry. (I have had some dentists who stopped updating their practices after leaving dental school!) With Dr. Morris you can count on receiving the very latest dental technology. Her prices are very fair, and I have never been surprised by an unexpected cost or had problems with insurance not covering services rendered.

    Bruce C
  • I have never experienced an office so down to earth, so outgoing and so willing to satisfy. If you've grown to dread the dentist then lay down your sword and give this office a shot.

    Marc Mamane

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Contact Us

Phone

678-459-2990

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Address

1295 Hembree Rd, Suite B202
Roswell, GA 30076

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