One of the most complicated joints in the human body is the temporomandibular joint. It’s a hinge that slides as you move your joint up and down, from side to side, and front to back. The bones and muscles in this area are accompanied by tissue that absorbs shock and protects your bones. When this joint is misaligned or injured, TMJ may be the result.
The Cause
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, more simply known as TMJ, is a condition that affects the joint muscles and nerves that connect the jaw to the bottom of the skull. A very common condition, TMJ affects more than 10 million Americans. Additionally, studies show that TMJ is more prevalent among women than men. A sometimes uncomfortable oral health issue, TMJ can occur from excessive teeth grinding, a misaligned jawline, bad posture, stress and anxiety, arthritis, or aggressive gum chewing.
Treating TMJ
Signs of TMJ include pain in the jaw joint, a clicking and popping sound in the jaw, pain in the ears, headaches, stiff jaw muscles or locking in the jaw joint. An accessible treatment option, home remedies may help alleviate pain and discomfort entirely. Useful treatment methods include gentle stretching of the jaw and mouth, massages, or applying an ice pack to the mouth.
For more serious cases not corrected by home treatments, medical treatment will be necessary. An x-ray will help your dentist get a clear view of your jaw’s positioning. Proper diagnosis is the key to adequate treatment and future prevention.
Think you might have TMJ? Contact your dentist to schedule an appointment for a full examination. In the meantime, avoid hard foods, use hot or cold compresses to relieve discomfort, and reduce jaw movements as much as possible.