TMJ disorder can be a serious condition and is not something you should ignore. This disorder can affect people of all ages, even those who have good oral health. The effects of TMJ include pain in the jaw that can radiate to other parts of the face. If you do not address these symptoms, you could start having headaches. Eventually, this condition can affect your daily routine and quality of life. It is important to understand more about TMJ.
From the jaw to the skull is a crucial joint called the temporomandibular joint. It is like a sliding hinge that plays a key role in the movement of the mouth. When a person speaks, eats, laughs, or yawns, this joint is in action. Under normal conditions, the joint does its job well, and the person should feel no discomfort in the area.
However, various factors can make these actions painful. When there is pain in this joint, TMJ disorder is the likely condition. Sometimes, this pain may be fleeting and go away with minor treatment. But some people experience debilitating pain that affects even routine tasks. In these cases, the dentist can help to relieve the symptoms and correct the issues.
One of the challenges of treating and preventing TMJ disorder is that it can be difficult to identify what leads to it. The bones that work with the joints are covered in cartilage and have disks in between them. These aid in the movement of the joint. Sometimes, the disks can slip out of place or deteriorate, which causes extreme pain. Arthritis can contribute to the eroding of the disk and cartilage. Also, an injury to the joint from a hard blow can cause the disorder.
Having TMJ disorder can affect a person’s oral health and overall wellness. The most common symptom is pain in the jaw. This pain is most evident when the mouth is in use, but it can be persistent at all times. The jaw can be tender to the touch as well. Some people feel an aching pain in and around the ear. The join may even lock, making it hard to open and close the mouth.
Another issue that TMJ disorder can cause is a headache. The muscles surrounding the joint run along the jaw and up to the cheeks. When there is pain, it can radiate to the top and sides of the head. The jaw muscles may feel tight, and the person may even hear a clicking noise in the jaw. The headaches may not go away without treatment.
Taking over-the-counter pain medication can relieve these headaches. If this does not help, the dentist can prescribe something stronger. Putting an ice pack on the jaw or area of the head that hurts can also provide comfort. The dentist can also walk the patient through stretching exercises of the jaw to improve the range of motion.
Taut bands develop when they are overused or injured and can cause pain to other parts of the body. Jaw muscle trigger points can cause pain in the back teeth, and muscles in the temple can cause pain in the upper teeth. Chewing, teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and talking activate these muscles. The presence of trigger points is a sign of temporomandibular joint problems. Symptoms of this disorder are facial pain, ringing in the ears, and popping in the TMJ. Earache, locking in the jaw, and grating noises in the TMJ are also signs to watch out for.
A person’s bite may change a little when there is a new filling or crown. This can affect the patient’s jaw functions. The new restorations can change the way the upper and lower teeth interact. Over time, the person regains normal bite after days or weeks. The patient must see the dentist if there is pain when chewing or biting.
The dentist can suggest relaxation techniques. Counseling can also help the patient deal with stress, which is a common trigger to teeth grinding and tooth pain. Wearing a nightguard or mouthguard can protect the teeth from wear due to jaw clenching and teeth grinding. A soft diet can lower the stress in the jaw and teeth. The dentist can also correct the person’s bite by providing orthodontic treatment.
Tooth loss can prompt the shifting or loosening of adjacent teeth. It can cause pain and increases the possibility of decay or infection. Replacing teeth can correct the bite and relieve pain. It can prevent neighboring teeth from shifting and loosening. The dentist can replace the missing teeth with bridges or dental implants.
TMJ disorder is nothing to dismiss. Be aware of the signs that you have this condition. If you have unexplained headaches, TMJ could be the culprit. The good news is that treatment is available.
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