30 Days of TMJ

30 Days of TMJ with Dr. Randi Green explores TMJ disorders, focusing on symptoms, causes, and treatments. Dr. Green shares her advanced knowledge and compassionate approach, helping patients in Springfield find relief from jaw pain, headaches, and more.

TMJ and TMD are terms often used interchangeably but represent different aspects of jaw health. TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects the jaw to the skull, while TMD encompasses the disorders affecting this joint. This article breaks down the differences, symptoms, and treatment options to clarify these commonly misunderstood terms for those experiencing jaw pain or dysfunction.

Physiologic dentistry is an advanced, whole-body approach that builds on neuromuscular dentistry to address the interconnectedness of the teeth, jaw, muscles, and overall health. Unlike traditional dental treatments that primarily focus on the teeth and jaw, physiologic dentistry considers broader influences like sleep, health history, and lifestyle factors to uncover the root causes of dental issues. This method primarily benefits those suffering from TMJ and other chronic dental conditions, offering a path to lasting relief through comprehensive care. This article will explore physiologic dentistry, how it differs from traditional dentistry, and why this holistic approach might be right for you.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder affects many, causing pain, limited movement, and discomfort. Diagnosing TMJ requires a detailed, expert approach to uncover the root causes and ensure effective treatment. This article covers modern diagnostic methods, including 3D X-rays, muscle testing, and Electromyography (EMG), which comprehensively understand jaw alignment, muscle activity, and joint health. These methods, offered by Dr. Green and her Springfield Smile team, ensure that patients receive a precise diagnosis, enabling personalized and non-surgical treatment options for lasting relief.

TMJ pain can sometimes fade on its own, but the underlying dysfunction often remains. This blog post explores why ignoring TMJ pain may lead to worsening symptoms over time and the importance of addressing the root cause for lasting relief. Patients will learn about TMJ disorder's potential long-term impact and effective treatment options to prevent future complications.

A healthy TMJ is crucial for smooth, pain-free jaw function. Key signs of TMJ health include adequate space between joint bones, no degeneration, and a straight joint neck. Joint compression, common in TMJ disorders, reduces this space and can cause discomfort. This article highlights the importance of evaluating TMJ position and understanding the signs of a healthy versus dysfunctional jaw joint. Early assessment can prevent complications, ensuring your jaw functions well long-term.

Dr. Randi Green of Springfield Smile Doctor empowers patients to overcome pain, restore their smiles, and regain confidence through non-surgical TMJ treatment and physiologic-based dentistry. Her expertise, compassion, and commitment to personalized care and advanced technology have helped countless patients find lasting relief from jaw pain, headaches, and dental issues, even after years of struggle elsewhere.

TMJ pain often stems from complex causes, with poor neck posture playing a significant role. Forward head posture and deep bites can strain neck and jaw muscles, leading to headaches and chronic pain. This article explains how posture correction, muscle strengthening, and bite alignment can relieve TMJ discomfort. A tailored treatment plan from Dr. Green can help provide lasting relief.

Hearing popping or clicking in your jaw joint? While it may seem harmless, these sounds are signs of TMJ dysfunction, often indicating that the soft tissue disc within the joint is misaligned. Left untreated, this issue can lead to severe joint damage and chronic pain, much like repeatedly hitting a pothole that wears down a tire. This blog dives into the causes of TMJ noise, the potential risks of ignoring it, and why professional evaluation is essential to prevent long-term problems. Learn how early treatment can help maintain healthy, pain-free jaw function.

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can put significant strain on the TMJ, causing jaw pain, headaches, and potential long-term damage. This article covers the types of bruxism, its effects on TMJ health, and effective treatments, such as dental appliances, stress management, and physical therapy. Consult Dr. Randi Green to explore tailored solutions for protecting your TMJ health and relieving discomfort.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) can cause significant discomfort, often due to bite misalignment affecting the jaw, muscles, and temporomandibular joint. Dr. Randi Green at Springfield Smile Doctor in Springfield, MO, offers a physiologic, non-surgical approach using porcelain crowns, veneers, and bridges to realign the bite and relieve TMJ strain. With advanced training in physiologic dentistry, Dr. Green provides lasting relief while enhancing smile aesthetics. Discover a holistic solution for managing TMD and reclaiming comfort and confidence.

TMJ pain is often linked to trauma, including car accidents, whiplash, and even lengthy dental appointments. Many patients wonder why they experience TMJ discomfort while others don’t. This article explores how traumatic events and dental procedures can lead to TMJ issues, describing how injuries like whiplash, direct jaw impacts, and prolonged mouth opening during dental work can strain or misalign the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We’ll also discuss why some people are more prone to TMJ dysfunction and the importance of early treatment to manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications.

TMJ disorders often cause jaw pain, but they can also lead to ear pain and tinnitus due to the joint's close proximity to the ear. This article explains the connection and highlights how Dr. Green in Springfield offers treatments like dental appliances, physical therapy, and stress management to relieve these symptoms. If you're experiencing unexplained ear pain or tinnitus, a consultation with Dr. Green can help you find relief. Schedule today!

This blog highlights Dave’s transformation through Dr. Green’s whole-health TMJ therapy. After years of debilitating jaw pain, headaches, and dizziness that disrupted his life and work, Dr. Green’s physiologic approach helped eliminate Dave’s symptoms. Now pain-free, he’s back to his passion—leading the global nonprofit Convoy of Hope. Learn how whole-health dentistry can restore balance, relieve pain, and empower patients to live fully.

TMJ disorder, primarily a structural condition affecting the jaw, can cause persistent pain and discomfort. While treatments targeting the disorder's structural aspects are essential for long-term relief, lifestyle choices such as a balanced diet, effective stress management, and regular exercise can greatly influence symptom severity and frequency. This article explores how healthy habits can help manage TMJ pain and why addressing the underlying dysfunction with Dr. Randi Green’s holistic approach offers patients the best path to lasting relief and improved quality of life.

Dizziness and vertigo may seem similar but have distinct sensations, especially when linked to TMJ disorders. Dizziness typically causes lightheadedness or imbalance, while vertigo creates a spinning feeling. TMJ dysfunction can lead to both due to its close connection with the jaw, neck, and inner ear. Understanding these differences is essential for effective treatment. Dr. Green offers personalized TMJ care that can address these symptoms, helping improve balance and quality of life. If you’re experiencing TMJ-related dizziness or vertigo, schedule a consultation with Dr. Green for targeted relief.

Phase 2 TMJ treatment builds on Phase 1 therapy to address the root cause of TMJ dysfunction—a misaligned bite—providing lasting relief and improved jaw stability. Optional but beneficial, Phase 2 options include continued orthotic use, physiologic orthodontics, or porcelain veneers, which prevent recurring symptoms and enhance long-term comfort. Consult Dr. Randi Green in Springfield to explore how correcting your bite permanently can support a healthier, pain-free future.

Some TMJ patients experience painful swallowing, a symptom known as odynophagia, due to muscle tension and trigger points in the jaw and neck. This article explains how TMJ-related muscle tension can lead to swallowing discomfort and explores various treatments to alleviate this pain. There are effective ways to reduce muscle tension and improve swallowing comfort, from physical therapy and dental appliances to massage therapy and stress management. For personalized care, Dr. Randi Green offers expert TMJ solutions tailored to relieve and prevent swallowing pain.

Stress can contribute to TMJ disorders through habits like teeth grinding and jaw clenching, leading to pain and limited movement. This blog highlights the connection between stress and TMJ, symptoms to watch for, and effective stress management techniques. Discover how Dr. Randi Green can help you find relief and improve your well-being.

Managing TMJ pain involves more than treatments—it’s also about eating the right foods. Soft, easy-to-chew options like smoothies and soups reduce jaw strain, while nutrients like omega-3s and calcium support joint health. Avoid hard, chewy foods to prevent flare-ups. If dietary changes don’t provide relief, schedule a consultation with Dr. Green to explore personalized TMJ treatment options.

Botox® injections are a popular option for managing TMJ pain, but they only offer temporary relief and don’t address the disorder's underlying causes. Repeated treatments can lead to muscle weakening and high costs over time. Instead, consult Dr. Randi Green in Springfield to uncover and treat the root causes of your TMJ pain for a lasting solution.

Can TMJ disorders cause migraines? The answer lies in the connection between jaw dysfunction, muscle tension, and nerve irritation. TMJ disorders can overstimulate the trigeminal nerve, a key player in facial sensation and migraines. Treatments like oral appliances, physical therapy, medication, and stress management can address both TMJ issues and migraines, providing lasting relief. If migraines are impacting your life, consult Dr. Randi Green, a TMJ expert in Springfield, Missouri, to explore personalized treatment options.

Facial asymmetry can sometimes be linked to TMJ disorders, which may cause chronic muscle tension, jaw misalignment, or uneven teeth wear. This blog explores how TMJ issues can affect facial appearance and outlines a variety of treatments—from orthodontics to dental appliances and physical therapy—that address both aesthetic and functional concerns. Learn how Dr. Randi Green in Springfield can help you restore balance and improve your quality of life with tailored TMJ treatments.

Navigating TMJ/TMD treatment costs can be tough, especially with limited insurance coverage. Dr. Green’s team offers expert claim support, HSA/FSA guidance, and flexible financing options like Cherry, CareCredit, and Synchrony Pay. With personalized assistance from a friendly concierge team and new patient coordinators, they simplify the process so you can focus on a healthier, pain-free life.

If left unchecked, TMJ pain can affect your quality of life. This guide offers strategies to keep your jaw healthy, including simple exercises, avoiding harmful habits, and regular check-ups with a TMJ expert. Discover stress management techniques, good posture tips, and healthy eating habits to support long-term jaw function. Schedule a visit with Dr. Green to take control of your TMJ health today!

TMJ disorders can often be managed with non-surgical treatments, but surgery may be required for severe cases. This guide explains the types of TMJ surgery, including arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, and open-joint surgery, and when they are necessary. Patients will learn what to expect during recovery, such as physical therapy and dietary adjustments, as well as the importance of trying conservative treatments first. Dr. Randi Green offers expertise in physiologic-based dentistry to explore non-invasive solutions and guide patients considering surgical intervention.

TMJ disorders, known for causing jaw pain and headaches, can also impact sleep by contributing to snoring and airway obstruction. While TMJ dysfunction doesn’t directly cause sleep apnea, it can aggravate symptoms by narrowing the airway and affecting jaw alignment. This blog dives into the connection between TMJ and sleep problems, highlighting how treatments like oral appliances, physical therapy, and stress management can improve both jaw health and sleep quality.

Did you know your sleep position can play a significant role in managing TMJ pain? Certain positions, like sleeping on your stomach or side, can misalign the jaw and worsen discomfort. On the other hand, sleeping on your back with proper neck support can help alleviate tension in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This blog dives into the best and worst sleep positions for TMJ health and provides practical tips—such as investing in the right pillow or trying jaw relaxation techniques—to help you wake up pain-free. If jaw pain persists, Dr. Randi Green offers expert solutions tailored to your needs.

At Springfield Smile Doctor, we transform lives with non-surgical TMJ treatments rooted in physiologic-based dentistry. This blog reflects on our gratitude for the success stories of patients who have overcome chronic pain, migraines, sleep issues, and more. Learn how advanced, non-invasive solutions are helping our Springfield community and beyond find relief and regain their quality of life. Explore the impact of our treatments, patient journeys, and how we’re spreading awareness through our TMJ resources and 30 Days of TMJ blog series.