General Dentistry Facts: 5 Things You May Not Know About TMJ

TMJ is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, which functions as a sliding hinge to connect the skull and the jawbone. When this joint is not working right, the result is discomfort and pain. Left untreated, this condition can lead to headaches, earaches, jaw pain or chronic facial pain. While this is a condition most have heard of, you may not know all you need to know about it.

1. It affects people of all ages

While there is not an exact number available for how many Americans suffer from this condition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health estimates that the number is over 10 million. People of all ages are affected, although the disease is more prevalent in those over the age of 19. The condition is also more likely to appear in women than in men.

Even children can deal with these problems, although they are less likely. Unfortunately, no age group is safe from the painful and often debilitating effects of the condition. The condition is often self-diagnosable and fortunately can be treated by a professional.

2. There are several causes

If there is trauma to the temporomandibular joint or the jaw, the result may be a disorder. While this is the cause in some cases, others have no direct cause. Because of the likelihood of females to develop TMJ, many professionals are searching for a link with female hormones. Many patients cannot identify the exact time the problem started and, because of that, have a hard time determining the cause.

Some believe that sounds in the jaw joint, such as clicking, will lead to this condition, but researchers have found no direct link. Rather, it is believed that jaw sounds are common. If your jaw makes noises but you do not have limited jaw movement or pain, it is probably perfectly normal.

3. Signs and symptoms are easy to watch for

There are many symptoms related to this condition. Some that you can watch for include:

• Changes in the way the lower and upper teeth fit together
• Painful popping, clicking or grating when the mouth is opened or closed
• Stiffness in the jaw muscle
• Locking of the jaw or limited movement
• Pain in the chewing muscles

4. Treatments have a wide range

Some professionals rely on more conservative treatments such as self-care practices. These may include applying ice packs, eating soft foods and learning stress reduction and relaxing techniques. Others may rely on more extreme measures such as pain medications, stabilization splints or even Botox® to treat the problem.

5. TMJ disorders fall into three categories

Most believe that the disorder falls within three main categories: (1) a dislocated jaw or displaced disc is caused by internal derangement, (2) myofascial pain leads to pain and discomfort in the jaw’s functioning muscles or (3) arthritis affects the joint.

Conclusion

If you are living in pain from this condition and are not sure where to turn, rest assured that there is help available. Diagnosis and treatment can quickly provide relief for many of your symptoms. Discuss your condition with a professional today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.esdmke.com or call Eastside Dental at (414) 888-4000 for an appointment in our Milwaukee office.

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