Monthly Archives: October 2022

Signs and Symptoms: TMJ Edition | Palm Harbor Dentist

No one wants to experience jaw pain, but for most patients, it can’t be helped. Here is where it gets tricky – did you know that TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, is one of the most misdiagnosed syndromes in the world? Oftentimes, TMJ is overlooked, as jaw related issues can be linked to a multitude of different health issues. So, how do you know when it’s not just a chance occurrence or something that is becoming an issue, we need to concern our dental professional with? Here are some signs and symptoms in which point to TMJ:

  • Pain in the jaw, especially around the joint
  • Popping or clicking of the jaw
  • Ear pain
  • Ringing or popping sounds in the ears
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Tight or sore jaw or neck muscles
  • Shoulder pain
  • Locking or dislocation of the jaw

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, contact Dr. Lieberman immediately, as he can appropriately diagnose the root of your jaw and facial pain. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to treat this condition and get you back to sleeping peacefully. Below are some of DIY tips you can do on your own to relieve some of the pain you’re experiencing:

  • Facial exercises such as stretching, relaxing, or massaging the muscles found around the jaw.
  • Avoiding actions such as yawning, singing, or excessive chewing.
  • Learning new stress relieving techniques including but not limited to meditation, breathing exercises, or personal stress relievers.
  • Formulating an exercise plan in order to increase our pain tolerance.

If you’re interested in learning more about TMJ pain, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Protecting Your Smile During the Holiday Season | Palm Harbor Dentist

It’s Autumn – the time of year when the football season begins, and thus pick-up games with friends and family. And if we know anything about these games, we know loads of accidents can happen at each play. If you sprain an ankle, you ice it and call it a day. But what if something happens to your smile? You have a dental emergency on your hands.

If you find that you are in need of dental assistance, call for an appointment and follow these tips while you wait:

Knocked-out tooth. For adults, place the tooth in the socket without touching the root; if that’s not possible, place the tooth between your check and gums, in milk, or in ADA-approved tooth-preservation solution. It’s crucial to keep the tooth wet. For children with baby teeth, come to our office as soon as possible; do not try to place the tooth in the socket.

Cracked tooth. Rinse your mouth and place an ice pack on your face to reduce the swelling. Wrap the tooth up in wet gauze or a towel and bring it to the office.

Toothache. Use warm water to rinse your mouth, and gently floss to remove any food. If you note any facial swelling (which may signal infection), come to our office or your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Bitten tongue or lip. Clean the area with a cloth or rinse your mouth with water. Apply an ice pack to the area. If the bleeding doesn’t slow, come to our office or go to the ER.

If you are preparing for the annual family football game and don’t want your smile wrecked? Why not wear a mouthguard during the game to protect those pearly whites from accidents.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental emergencies, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.