Do you experience pain or locking of joints in your jaw? You may be experiencing a TMJ Disorder.
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, found between your skull and lower jaw. There are a variety of disorders that may affect this joint, known as TMJD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders).
Read on to learn more about the causes of TMJ and how it can be treated.
Symptoms
Those who experience TMJD may have the following symptoms:
Locking in the jaw
- Pain in jaw and surrounding muscles
- Stiffness
- Pain around ear
- Sounds from the joint such as clicking
Note that severity of symptoms may vary from person to person.
Causes
Different causes may result in different symptoms. Some of the most common causes of TMJ disorders include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (often caused by stress)
- Issues in the jaw structure
- Arthritis
- Misalignment between the ball and socket of the joint
- Other causes, such as whiplash
Treatment
While TMJD can be painful and irritating, there are a variety of treatment options available to relieve pain.
Steps you can take to relieve minor TMJD pain on your own include:
Taking painkillers
Being mindful of jaw clenching and keeping the jaw relaxed
Avoiding tough or chewy foods
For more serious cases, it’s highly recommended to see a doctor or dentist and get professional guidance. Some treatments that may be recommended are:
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): The placement of electrodes that stimulate nerves to relax muscles and work out any TMJ tension.
- Medications: Pain relief, anti-anxiety, and other kinds of medications may be prescribed by your doctor or dentist.
- Dental procedures: Depending on your individual TMJD case, a dental procedure may help relieve pain. Your dentist can recommend the best course of action.
- TMJ Massage: Massages can relieve pain in the jaw area.
At The Art of Dentistry & Spa, we’re proud to offer a variety of treatment options for TMJ patients, including TENS and TMJ Massages. Every case of TMJD is unique ,so it is important to get an individual evaluation and treatment plan from a qualified professional.
Take the first step towards TMJD relief by scheduling your appointment with us today. Simply call us at (732) 846-7100 or request an appointment on our website. We look forward to assisting you!