TMJ and Ear Pain

Some people are prone to chronic ear infection and others experience ear pain for an entirely different reason, Temporomandibular Disorder or Disfunction (TMJ or TMD). For many people, persistent ear pain can be attributed to a jaw disorder. Although this may sound counterintuitive, it is actually quite common for many people. If you are suffering from chronic ear pain, it is very important that you see a specialist to properly diagnose the cause of your ear pain. An oral surgeon, dentist, or ENT can determine if you have a bacterial infection or TMJ.

TMJ is most associated with jaw pain. Many people experience limited jaw mobility, clicking and popping sounds, or excruciating pain when speaking or moving the jaw. However, there are many people with TMJ/TMD that experience their symptoms in other ways, such as severe headaches, chronic neck pain, and ear aches.

Dr. Fariborz Farnad is a TMJ specialist with over 20 years of experience diagnosing and treating TMJ. After a thorough examination and in depth review of your health history, Dr. Farnad will give you a personalized treatment plan. Just like everyone has a unique health history and story, their TMJ experience and symptoms are different and individual.

Patients suffering with ear pain should see a specialist to determine what is causing this chronic pain. If your family doctor or internist has ruled out bacterial infection and you are still experiencing ear pain or chronic ear aches, call The TMJ Doctor to schedule a consultation. There are numerous conservative treatments that can help you live a pain free life, putting an end to the progression of TMJ.

For more information about The TMJ Doctor, visit our website at www.thetmjdoctor.com. Our highly trained staff is available to answer your questions and schedule your consultation, call us at (310)276-5300.

Orthodontics and TMJ

Many of our patients either one of both of the following questions:

1. Have my braces or orthodontic treatments created my TMJ/TMD problem?

2. Will braces or orthodontics correct my TMJ/TMD problem?

Unfortunately, for many people braces and orthodontics can cause TMJ/ TMD or general jaw pain. Altering the position of the teeth can directly affect the way that you bite down and utilize the muscles in your jaw.

If you need braces or orthodontic treatment for aesthetic purposes or otherwise, do not be afraid that you will start having TMJ symptoms. It's important that you find an orthodontist that understands TMJ and its relationship to the teeth. If you need assistance selecting a specialist, our office is happy to help you. Dr. Farnad works with multiple orthodontists to ensure that our patients are properly taken care of. The TMJ Doctor understands that each specialist you see for your dental needs must be on the same page regarding your treatment.

As we have mentioned before, splints, orthotics (oral), bite plates, mouth guards, are not always the solution for TMJ, it is vital if you are experiencing TMJ pain in relation to your orthodontic treatment that you alert your orthodontist and seek treatment for your TMJ. Unfortunately, these things happen all the time and the best thing you can do is relax (we don't want the stress to make your TMJ worse) and find a specialist to find a solution for your TMJ pain.

Dr. Farnad has been a TMJ/TMD specialist for over 20 years. He is internationally recognized for his comprehensive treatment and care. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Farnad, The TMJ Doctor, please give us a call at (310)276-5300.

TMJ Exercises

A lot of our patients ask us what can they do at home to help with their TMJ. We have compiled a few exercises that should help with your TMJ. If these cause more pain, do not continue, call our office for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Farnad.

1.  Hold your tongue on the roof of your mouth and move your jaw slowly up and down. Try not to let your mouth move from side to side. You want to increase your jaw joint strength.

2.  Follow this link for some great exercises with images: http://www.wikihow.com/Cure-TMJ-with-Jaw-Exercises

3. The most important exercise is relaxation. We cannot stress this enough. In fact, we shouldn't stress, we should relax! Seriously, deep and slow breathing can really help you relax when you are experiencing TMJ pain. A lot of our patients who do yoga feel that their TMJ symptoms are helped. You can also try long walks and meditation.

4. Sleepy? Yawning may sound nice but support your chin when you feel the need to yawn. Guide your chin with your hand to relieve jaw joint pressure.

5. Avoid chewing gum. Some people think constantly moving the joint muscles will help. Instead, this can further damage and cause pain.

6. Heat the area with a warm towel. This can reduce pain and inflammation. If heat does not work, you can try the same thing with ice. Do not ice for longer than 15 minutes at a time.

Remember, a lot of these exercises work best for mild TMJ symptoms. If any of these worsen your symptoms or do not alleviate your pain we sincerely suggest seeing a specialist. Our Beverly Hills Office is here to support you in finding the correct TMJ treatment.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Farnad, call (310)276-5300.

Have questions? The TMJ Doctor is happy to answer them, just email dr.fariborzfarnad@gmail.com

421 N. Rodeo Dr. #T8

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

(310)276-5300

www.thetmjdoctor.com

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TMJ Specialist for Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas