The jaw bone helps you to chew, speak, and smile. A healthy jaw should move smoothly and effortlessly, but when problems develop, you may find that everyday actions are difficult, or even painful. This could be TMJ disorder, and you can learn more about it with the information below.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joints. This system of joints, ligaments, bone, jaw muscles, discs, and sockets open and close the mouth. They allow your jaw to move up, down, front, back, and side to side. TMJ disorder (also known as TMD) occurs when arthritis, injury, stress, teeth grinding, or jaw alignment causes problems with this system.
Symptoms Of TMJ Disorder
If you develop TMJ disorder, then you may show symptoms such as:
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Clicking or locking jaw
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Headaches
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Dizziness
- Ringing ears
Treatments Of TMJ Disorder
If you think that you have developed TMJ disorder, then see our dentist for treatment. Some possible treatment options we may recommend include:
- Avoiding hard foods, nail biting, extreme jaw movements, and gum chewing
- Applying heat or ice packs
- Relaxing through meditation
- Exercises to strengthen the jaw muscle
- Night guards to stop teeth grinding
- Medication
- Fixing an uneven bit with tooth reshaping or orthodontia
- Surgery (in more extreme cases)