Perhaps you have some jaw pain and have wondered if you have Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder.) Maybe you are looking into a TMJ dentist. But what is this disorder. TMJ disorder, or TMJ syndrome, is a broad spectrum term used to describe both chronic and acute inflammation of the Temporomandibular joint. This joint connects the skull and jaw. The result of the problem is mild to severe pain and even impairment.
Some of the tell tale symptoms include pain or discomfort when chewing, clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth, or locking of the jaw. Other related symptoms could be headaches, earaches, tinnitus (ringing of the ear) and even neck and shoulder pain.
The inflammation is usually temporary, brought on by certain actions or stress. There are a few things you do to ease the pain and discomfort and keep flare ups from reoccurring. If you are prone to outbursts, you should consider doing away with gum chewing. The constant chewing motion has an adverse effect on the joint.
This thought is applicable to chewy or hard foods as well. In other words, foods that require extra chewing or "work" to chew should be avoided. Another thing to avoid is big bites of food. A fuller mouth stresses the jaw more than smaller bites.
As talked about earlier, anxiety may also contribute. When people are stressed, they often have a tendency to clench their teeth, sometimes without even knowing they are doing so. The pressure created wreaks havoc on the jaw. Avoiding stress is something we should always do and it could help with TMJ. If you find yourself stressed, make it your goal to relax. Stop and check to see if you are clenching. When you are doing it, take a moment to relax.
Seeing a dentist is always the best choice. This is true for TMJ problems as well as any other dental issues. He or she may recommend a mouth guard that will be fitted just for you. These guards are designed to keep you from grinding your teeth, especially overnight when you sleep, as you may not even know it is taking place. You may also be prescribed with something to help with pain when a flare-up kicks in.
Sometimes surgery is your only choice. Just about every TMJ dentist will recommend surgery as only a last option after trying things like the suggestions listed above or others the doc may have. Call your dentist soon and head toward feeling better.
Some of the tell tale symptoms include pain or discomfort when chewing, clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth, or locking of the jaw. Other related symptoms could be headaches, earaches, tinnitus (ringing of the ear) and even neck and shoulder pain.
The inflammation is usually temporary, brought on by certain actions or stress. There are a few things you do to ease the pain and discomfort and keep flare ups from reoccurring. If you are prone to outbursts, you should consider doing away with gum chewing. The constant chewing motion has an adverse effect on the joint.
This thought is applicable to chewy or hard foods as well. In other words, foods that require extra chewing or "work" to chew should be avoided. Another thing to avoid is big bites of food. A fuller mouth stresses the jaw more than smaller bites.
As talked about earlier, anxiety may also contribute. When people are stressed, they often have a tendency to clench their teeth, sometimes without even knowing they are doing so. The pressure created wreaks havoc on the jaw. Avoiding stress is something we should always do and it could help with TMJ. If you find yourself stressed, make it your goal to relax. Stop and check to see if you are clenching. When you are doing it, take a moment to relax.
Seeing a dentist is always the best choice. This is true for TMJ problems as well as any other dental issues. He or she may recommend a mouth guard that will be fitted just for you. These guards are designed to keep you from grinding your teeth, especially overnight when you sleep, as you may not even know it is taking place. You may also be prescribed with something to help with pain when a flare-up kicks in.
Sometimes surgery is your only choice. Just about every TMJ dentist will recommend surgery as only a last option after trying things like the suggestions listed above or others the doc may have. Call your dentist soon and head toward feeling better.
About the Author:
Would you like more information about neuromuscular dentistry? Visit the website of Preet Sahota, DDS in Fremont, CA at www.smile-matters.com.
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