TMJ
Recently, my friend and I made plans to get together for lunch as soon as she left her physician’s office. She scheduled the appointment because she was experiencing ear pain and headaches that had lasted for several days. The first thing she said to me when we met was “You aren’t going to believe this. They told me I have TMJ and that I should see a dentist as soon as possible. I told my doctor I was on my way to meet one for lunch!” We spent much of lunch discussing her symptoms and why having a dentist examine her could help her get the treatment she needs in order to make her comfortable. In practice, I continually find that patients must have harmony between their teeth, jaws joints (TMJs) and the muscles of the chewing system because when there is an imbalance, it is the weakest link that goes. Women are eight times more likely to have muscle pain in this area and while there may be multiple factors causing her ear pain and headaches, a comprehensive dental exam will help her find out why she is so uncomfortable and what can be done to restore harmony and comfort.