The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a ball and socket joint that connects your lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull. The joint is flexible enough to allow the jaw space to move, which is why we are able to eat and talk. A condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD) occurs when problems with the jaw, joint, and facial muscles flare up.
Causes of TMD
Problems with the TMJ can arise almost at random. Dentists are still unsure of the cause of TMD, but it is believed that the symptoms arise from problems with either the muscles in the jaw or with the joints themselves. There are some other possible causes of TMD, including:
– Clenching and grinding of the teeth, putting pressure on the TMJ.
– Stress can cause people to tighten their jaw and facial muscles or clench their teeth.
– Dislocation of the disc between the ball and socket of the joint in your jaw
– Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid in the TMJ
Severe TMJ Symptoms
If you suspect you or someone you know has TMD, there are some common symptoms to look for.
– Pain or tenderness in the areas around your mouth or jaw
– Not being able to open your mouth completely
– A jaw that gets stuck when you open up your mouth wide
– Clicking, popping, or grating noises when opening or closing your mouth (even more so if this is accompanied by pain)
– Swelling on the side of your face
– Difficulty chewing or biting
– Some other commonly related symptoms include: toothaches, headaches, neck aches, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears
Treatments for TMJ
There are many treatments available that can relieve your symptoms, so if you have any symptoms that hint that you may be suffering from TMD, you should get it checked out as soon as possible. In the mean time, to reduce the pain, applying ice to inflamed areas and taking anti-inflammatory medications is advisable. Eating soft foods and using a night guard for your mouth can be helpful as well.
Additional Help
Many conditions have symptoms similar to TMD, so if you are suffering from any of these, it is important to get checked out by a dentist. If you are searching for a dentist, consider using TalkLocal to find a top-quality dentist in your area. TalkLocal is a FREE service that connects you with the best professionals in just a few minutes. All you need to do is enter in your specific problems, location and availability, and TalkLocal will contact multiple dentists who will then call YOU directly, ready to help.
