TMJ Disorder Symptoms and Treatments
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TMJ Disorder Symptoms and Treatments
Dr. Clayton Zeidler writes for the San Jose dentists at the Zeidler Dental Group (http://www.zeidlerdentalgroup.com), a top dental practice committed to comprehensive care for the entire family. For more information about teeth whitening or general dentistry, visit www.zeidlerdentalgroup.com.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) refers to the jaw joint, located on both sides of the face where the jaw meets the skull. This joint is responsible for the ability to chew, talk and yawn. Many people who suffer from TMJ disorder experience headaches, which they brush off as stress-related. TMJ can be very mild, and necessary treatment may involve simple lifestyle changes and home remedies. Severe cases may require invasive treatment. Below, find information on the symptoms of TMJ disorder and possible methods of treating the condition.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder:
It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder so that you can get the proper treatment as soon as possible. Contact your doctor or dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Sore jaw muscles: Signs of TMJ disorder include jaw and facial pain. If you suffer from sore jaw muscles, especially when you wake up in the morning, you may be clenching your teeth while you sleep, which is a common cause of TMJ disorder.
Ear pain: TMJ tenderness and pain can be felt near the ear, where the joint is located. Many people might mistake such pain for an ear infection, but combined with other signs and symptoms, it is possible that it the ear pain may be linked to TMJ disorder.
Chewing problems: An uneven bite caused by a change in the mouth can affect your ability to chew. Difficulty or pain while chewing may be caused by a problem with the TMJ.
Headaches: Though many headaches are often caused by the stress of everyday life, other headaches may be linked to TMJ disorder. Headaches that occur near the front of the ear and move toward the rest of your head and neck are often signs of TMJ disorder.
TMJ Disorder Treatments:
Treatment for TMJ disorder include therapy, self remedies and, in rare cases, surgery. Therapy is often recommended if the sore jaw is caused by stress-related teeth grinding. Sessions with a psychotherapist and simple relaxation techniques can help you manage your stress levels and relieve pain. Another solution for relieving discomfort involves simple lifestyle changes, such as eating softer foods cut into smaller pieces, as well as stretching and massaging your jaw.
For more severe cases of TMJ disorder, a treatment called anthrocentesis works to remove debris and inflamed fluids from the jaw joint through an irrigation method. The procedure is minimally invasive with a high success rate. Surgery is often the last resort, as there is a great deal of risk involved with a chance that the procedure might fail. TMJ surgery involves repositioning the disk or removing a damaged disk.
In many cases, TMJ disorder does not require professional treatment. Speak with your doctor about your symptoms and concerns to find the treatment that will work best for you.
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