Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Awareness Month takes place every November with the purpose of educating the public about the realities of TMJ disorders. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, estimates suggest that TMJ disorders affect over 10 million Americans.
What is TMJ?
TMJ is a hinge that connects the jaw to the temporal bone of the skull. There is one joint on each side of the jaw. This joint works together with supporting jaw muscles and ligaments to help an individual talk, chew, and yawn by moving the jaw up and down, and side to side.
Because this joint is so small and delicate, it’s prone to becoming damaged, inflamed or irritated. When this occurs, an individual might experience issues with chewing, speaking or opening their mouth, and suffer from severe pain and discomfort.
What is TMD?
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is the term used to refer to the various disorders that can affect the temporomandibular joint.
What causes TMD?
The TMJ combines a hinge action with gliding motions. The parts that interact in the joint are shielded with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk which keeps the movement smooth. Although the exact cause of the condition is not clear, there are several factors that may increase the risk of developing TMD.
Causes and possible risk factors include:
Deterioration of the disk through various types of autoimmune diseases
Jaw injury or dislocation due to trauma from an accident
Overuse through excessive gum chewing or teeth grinding and/or clenching
Tooth or jaw alignment
Infection or inflammation in the chewing muscles
What are the Symptoms of TMD?
An individual with TMD often experiences severe pain and discomfort. It can be temporary or last several years and might affect one of both sides of the face. TMJ disorders are known to affect more women than men and are most commonly found in those between the ages of 20 and 40.
Common symptoms include:
Pain or tenderness in the TMJ or jaw muscles
Locking of TMJ – making it difficult to open or close the mouth
Clicking sound or grating sensation when opening the mouth or chewing
Tension in the face, neck and shoulders
A change in teeth alignment
Treatment Options for TMD
Most TMJ disorders are self-limiting, therefore a conservative approach is best. This approach includes eating soft foods, avoiding repetitive function (gum chewing, biting nails, ice chewing), modifying pain with heat packs, and practicing relaxation techniques to minimize tension. A dentist may recommend exercises to strengthen the jaw muscles, medications, or a night guard or bite plate to decrease grinding or clenching.
Care at Roseman Dental
Patients experiencing symptoms associated with a TMJ disorder, needing help to treat pain, jaw dysfunction, or restoration of bite can visit Roseman Dental. To find out how to become a patient of Roseman Dental at Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at the location closest to you. Roseman Dental is here to help in eliminating the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders.
Roseman Dental and Roseman University College of Dental Medicine are providing dental screenings and cleanings free to qualifying children ages 18 and under at the Give Kids a Smile® event on Friday, February 7 from 9am to 4pm in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of oral healthcare and help stop the spread of untreated dental decay. Children and teens who come in for a checkup and cleaning will also get a voucher* to return to Roseman Dental for a free comprehensive exam, free x-rays, and up to $50 in additional care.
WHEN
Friday, February 7 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | No appointments – walk-in patients only, while supplies last
WHERE
Roseman Dental 10894 S River Front Pkwy South Jordan, UT 84095
*Voucher is void if unsigned. Expires after 12 months, and is only redeemable at Roseman University College of Dental Medicine. Vouchers are non-transferable, may not be duplicated, and cannot be combined with additional offers. Cannot be used as payment towards Roseman dental membership plan dues. Not redeemable for cash and applicable for school aged children 18 years and younger.
Did you know that dental pain is the #1 reason kids miss school? Keep you kids in school with a FREE back to school dental screening and cleaning.
On Friday, August 9 between 9am and 4pm Roseman Dental will be holding its annual Back to School Brush-Up. Free screenings and cleanings will be provided to children 18 and under at our Clinic located at 10894 S. River Front Pkwy, South Jordan, UT 84095. Roseman Dental is easily accessible by FrontRunner, TRAX and UTA buses.
After the screening and cleaning each child will receive a voucher* for free x-rays, exam and $50 of care to be used at Roseman Dental, the clinical practice of Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, for future treatment. No appointments necessary!
*VOUCHER IS NON-TRANSFERABLE AND MUST BE USED WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF EVENT.
Give Kids a Smile® is a national event organized by the American Dental Association. It began in 2003 as a way for dentists across the country to join with others in their community to provide dental services to underserved children. It was initially a one-day event in February and has grown to include national and local events year-round. Approximately 350,000 children receive treatment at 1,500 events with more than 40,000 people volunteering their time to participate.
On Friday, February 1st between 9am and 4pm Roseman Dental will be participating in Give Kids a Smile®. Free screenings and cleanings will be provided to children 18 and under at our Clinic located at 10894 S. River Front Pkwy, South Jordan, UT 84095. Roseman Dental is easily accessible by FrontRunner, TRAX and UTA buses.
After the screening and cleaning each child will receive a voucher* for free x-rays, exam and $50 of care to be used at Roseman University Dental Clinic for future treatment. No appointments necessary!
*VOUCHER IS NON-TRANSFERABLE AND MUST BE USED WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF EVENT.
Event Date
Friday, February 1
Event Time
9am to 4pm
Event Location
10894 S. River Front Pkwy, South Jordan, UT 84095
Roseman University’s American Student Dental Association (ASDA) is putting on the 4th Annual Oral Cancer Foundation 5K Walk/ Run for Awareness on Saturday, April 8 from 9am to 2pm at the East Riverfront Park (10991 South Riverfront Parkway, South Jordan, UT 84095).
Come join Roseman to raise funding and awareness for this disease that has affected thousands. There will be speakers and doctors at the event to talk about their experiences. There will also be FREE oral cancer screening! Bring your kids, family and friends!
To register for the event, please click on the button below.
If you can’t make it to the event and still want to donate to the cause, please click the button below.
Event Date
Saturday, April 8
Event Time
9am to 2pm
Event Location
East Riverfront Park
10991 South Riverfront Parkway
South Jordan, UT 84095
It’s okay to not brush my teeth tonight. A thought that has crossed almost everyone’s minds at least once or twice. Well, it’s time to stop thinking that. Brushing your teeth is a crucial part of your day and it shouldn’t be skipped. We all know brushing is important, but we all have to ask ourselves – Are we brushing our teeth properly?
Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
Brushing your teeth isn’t the only thing you should be doing to keep your teeth healthy and clean. In order to have a complete dental care routine the ADA suggests that you make sure to:
Clean between teeth daily with floss. Tooth decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
Habits of brushing your teeth should start young. If children learn to enjoy brushing, they will be able to prevent oral health problems in the future. Brushing and flossing properly is a great start to preventative dental care.
For more information on children’s oral health download Roseman’s “A Parent’s Guide to Preventing Tooth Decay” brochure here.
James M. Broadbent, DDS, MS Associate Professor of Dental Medicine
Dr. James M. Broadbent joined Roseman University of Health Sciences in 2009 (the first year of orthodontic residency training) as a full-time faculty member in the Advanced Education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics/MBA (AEODO/MBA) Residency Program. At Roseman, he is course director of several modules of learning. He serves on University faculty senate and several committees. His professional and research interests include phase I orthopedic growth modification, functional jaw orthopedics, accelerated orthodontics, facial esthetics, and air way and temporomandibular joint disorders.
Dr. Broadbent graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Zoology. Dr. Broadbent received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago. He completed a dental specialties internship at the Chandler Medical Center, University of Kentucky. He then served as an Assistant Professor of Crown and Bridge at Northwestern University Dental School and practiced general dentistry prior to dental specialty training. Dr Broadbent received his Master of Science (MS) degree and Certificate in Orthodontics from Northwestern University.
Dr. Broadbent practiced orthodontics many years in Provo, Utah, and served as adjunct faculty at Utah Technical College (now Utah Valley University), American Institute of Medical Dental Technology, and Provo College. Dr. Broadbent made a significant contribution to the art and science of orthodontics in teaching numerous continuing education courses, seminars, and presentations at local, state, and national and international dental meetings, and university graduate training programs. Along the way, he was awarded the Joseph E. Johnson Outstanding Table Clinic, American Association of Orthodontists, and twice the (AAFO) J. Robert Bronson Clinician of the Year award.
Dr. Broadbent completed board certification in orthodontics, achieving the status of Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics. His interest and training in temporomandibular joint disorders and oral facial pain lead to achieving status of Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management.
Dr. Broadbent has published many articles in several professional journals. He served as president of the Provo District Dental Society, Utah Dental Association annual program, and president of the Utah Association of Orthodontists.
Dr. Broadbent demonstrates vision and leadership in community organizations and service. He is recognized as a Kentucky Colonel, Commonwealth of Kentucky; member President’s Club, Brigham Young University; Boy Scouts of America distinguished Silver Beaver; and James E. West Fellow. For more than 20 years he served the Boy Scouts of America; Utah National Parks Council (one of the largest National BSA Councils), as Council Jamboree Chairman; National Boy Scout Jamboree, A.P. Hill Virginia (1985, 1989, 1993); and Chair of highly successful Council Events (1996, 2000) and as Utah National Parks Council Commissioner (1987-2000) and UNPC Vice President Program (2000-2003). He earned the distinguished Eagle Scout and Silver Explorer awards.
Dr. Broadbent is a member of the American Dental Association, Utah Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists, Utah Association of Orthodontists, American Association for Functional Orthodontics, International Association for Orthodontics, and the American Dental Educators Association.
Before joining Roseman University of Health Sciences, he served as attending dentist and adjunct faculty instructor of several courses of education at Salt Lake Community College, Dental Hygiene Program (South Jordan Utah Campus).
Dr. Broadbent is licensed to practice dentistry in California, Nevada, and Utah.
Personal activities include fly fishing, off-road rock crawling motor sports, over landing motor sports, and white water river running.
Prashanti Bollu, MBA, MS, DMD Program Director, Associate Professor of Dental Medicine, AEODO/MBA Program
Dr. Prashanti Bollu received dental school training from Boston University School of Dental Medicine. She holds a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration as well as a Master’s in Business Administration. Part of the inaugural class, Dr. Bollu received her orthodontic training from the Roseman University of Health Sciences.
Dr. Bollu has received several awards for outstanding academic achievements during her undergraduate and graduate training. Her interest in research was sparked early in dental school and strengthened further during her employment at Boston University during which time she worked with many prominent researchers. She has been involved in several research projects and presented multiple posters at national conferences. Dr. Bollu has been recognized by DENTSPLY and Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, for outstanding research.
Besides serving as a clinical and teaching faculty, Dr. Bollu was actively involved in growing the research component of the Advanced Education in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics (AEODO) /MBA Residency Program. As Director of Dental Research for College of Dental Medicine (Henderson Campus), she facilitated all resident and faculty research endeavors. Her research interests include Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), practice management issues, orthodontic insurance coverage gaps and access to orthodontic care.
Currently, Dr. Prashanti Bollu serves as the Interim Program Director for the AEODO/MBA residency program. She also practices in a few private orthodontic offices in the Las Vegas area. Dr. Bollu is a Board Certified Orthodontist and has active professional affiliations with multiple national and regional dental/orthodontic associations including American Association of Orthodontics, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, and Southern Nevada Dental Society. She has also been a member of the International Association of Dental Research as well as the American Association of Dental Research.
