TMJ Symptoms
What is TMJ?
Many people have heard of TMJ but they are not aware of what it really is. TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint. This is an actual joint that is located in your jaw. There are times when this joint can have problems. When this joint has problems it is known as a temporomandibular joint dysfunction or TMJ.
It is said that TMJ is generally caused from overusing the temporomandibular joint. This is common in people who clench their teeth from stress. It can also be caused from tension in the jaw so it is important to listen to your doctor to avoid putting to much strain on you jaw line. If your upper and lower joints are not aligned correctly, you can also suffer with TMJ. The misalignment can be caused from trauma such as from a car accident or from some inflammation from arthritis.
Symptoms of TMJ
People who suffer with TMJ can have a number of symptoms that they have to deal with. Some of those symptoms would be a locked jaw, a clicking in their jaw, frequent headaches, ear pain and some even complain of a soreness located in their jaw, temple or even the cheek area. Ear Pain
Options for TMJ Treatment
Once you have been diagnosed with TMJ, you will want to talk with your doctor so you know what options that you have for treatment. You will want to learn to stop doing certain habits that can cause stress on your jaw or would put pressure on your jaw such as chewing gum, clenching your teeth or even tightening your jaw muscles. Your dentist can also do such treatments as surgery, medication and dental treatments.
Medication that is used to treat TMJ is usually over the counter medications that are pain relievers like Ibuprofen. Your doctor can prescribe a strong anti inflammatory medication if the over the counter medications don’t work well. Your doctor can also prescribe a dental appliance that will stop you from grinding your teeth or even clenching your jaw. This type of appliance is called a biteplate.
If all else fails your doctor may deem it necessary to do surgery to correct the problem. What the doctor will do is remove the disk that is between your jaw and the temporal bone. Keep in mind that this is only for the most severe cases and should only be done when all other options have been tried.
You do not have to suffer in pain with TMJ. You do have treatment options so it is important to check with your doctor at the first signs of symptoms. This way you can get the symptoms under control as soon as possible. If you wait too long to get things under control, you may find it very difficult to overcome the painful symptoms of TMJ.