subject: Temporomandibular Joint (tmj) Disorder- Do You Have It? [print this page] Do you ever experience headaches or jaw pain? After eating or talking, is your mouth sore? TMJ disorders can cause tenderness and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the joint on each side of your head in front of your ears, where your lower jawbone meets your skull. This joint is what allows you to talk, chew and yawn. If you are experiencing complications with your TMJ, even the most common task of yawning can evoke pain. Your dentist in Walnut Creek has received post-doctorate training at both UCLA and UCSF for treating painful TMJ disorders so that you can finally experience relief from your pain.
The Causes and Symptoms
The cause of a TMJ disorder may not always be clear, but dentists believe that symptoms often arise from problems with the muscles of the jaw or with the parts of the joint itself. Injury to your jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck can cause TMD. Injuries such as receiving a heavy blow or whiplash can be leading causes to your pain. Other possible causes of your pain might include:
*Grinding or clenching your teeth
*Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket
*Presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
*Stress, which can cause you to tighten your facial and jaw muscles or clench your teeth
If you suffer from a TMJ disorder (TMD), you can experience severe pain and discomfort daily, which can be temporary or it can last for many years. Women, more often than men, experience TMD, which is also most commonly seen in people between the ages of 20 and 40. Some common symptoms of TMD might include:
*Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders
*Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
*Jaws that get stuck or lock in the open or closed position
*Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
*A tired feeling in the face
*Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite
Finding Treatment for Your Pain
Treatments for TMD range from simple self-care practices and conservative treatments to injections and surgery for more serious cases. Most dentists will agree that treatment should begin with conservative, nonsurgical therapies first, with surgery as a last resort for if conservative treatments fail. Some basic, conservative treatment options might include:
*Apply moist heat or cold packs.
*Eat soft foods.
*Take proper medications as prescribed by your dentist.
*Low-level laser therapy.
*Wear a splint or night guard when sleeping.
*Undergo corrective dental treatments, including replacing missing teeth.
*Avoid extreme jaw movements.
*Don't rest your chin on your hand.
*Keep your teeth slightly apart.
*Learn proper relaxation techniques.
If the conservative treatments are proven unsuccessful, your dentist will suggest another form of treatment, or surgery. So, if you are experiencing pain in your jaw, talk to your Walnut Creek dentist for further diagnosis and treatment. There is no reason why you should put up with jaw pain or soreness.
