TMJ Disorder: My Personal Story

Hello. My name is Kira Dumais, a 33 year old housewife, Avon saleswoman, and avid volunteer who resides in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I have a husband named Robert, who is a research meteorologist, along with 3 great children.

I have for many years suffered from the effects of Temporal Mandibular Joint/ Dental Distress Syndrome (TMJ/DDS). However, this condition (as is still common) was misdiagnosed, and thus mistreated, for three years before a correct diagnosis was made in early 2002. By this time, I had been on a long rollercoaster ride full of different symptoms, different diagnoses, and many different drugs and treatments. Since TMJ/DDS can present varying symptoms from individual to individual (dizziness, myofacial pain and sensations, jaw clicking, ear fullness, tinnitus, misplaced bite, teeth grinding, light sensitivity, migraines, anxiety, and many others), it is often diagnosed as some other condition or illness.

In my case, a local dentist was the first to suspect TMJ/DDS, and much personal research also seemed to suspect it as a potential culprit. After my dentist arranged an appointment with a TMJ/DDS disorder specialist in Albuquerque, the subsequent visit confirmed without doubt that I had a significant TMJ problem. Since this time, my doctor in Albuquerque has proved to be a Godsend, and through his patience and expert care I am now far down the road to recovery (although it is slow and sometimes, frustrating). I have been used as one of his "favorite" case studies at relevant professional workshops and seminars he presents to, since my overall presentation of the disorder is among the most unique he has seen. To date, my case has been part of his general presentation which has helped to better educate at least 50 dentists throughout the United States. Some estimates maintain that approximately 75% of the population has some form of TMJ. In addition, it is also estimated that as many as 1 in 5 of these individuals develop extreme symptoms of anxiety while in the midst of treatment such as mine.

To read the full account of my personal story, please click here.

I sure hope this information is useful to you, and can help some of you back on the path to good health and a happy life! God Bless all of you! Kira-