22 Dec What is TMJ

What is TMJ?

Do you know that 12% of people tend to suffer from TMJ disorder? It’s a common jaw joint condition that can be very painful. However, TMJ is manageable since several treatments are available depending on your issue’s root cause.

What Do You Mean By TMJ?

You might have heard the acronym TMJ in conversations or on the internet, but do you know what its stands for or means? TMJ is an acronym for the temporomandibular joint, which helps connect your jaw to your skull. TMJ is a common disorder where the patient might feel some pain, swelling, or like they have a lockjaw in the joint. Even if your dentist cannot pinpoint why you may have developed TMJ pain, they can still help relieve it using a combination of dental intervention and self-care.

In the case of TMJ disorder, we cannot define what it is besides an issue with the TMJ joint. The causes and symptoms of TMJ can be broad and vary significantly from one patient to the next.

Signs That Suggest You Have TMJ Disorder!

There are a variety of symptoms that suggest you have a TMJ disorder. These symptoms can help your dentist determine the primary cause of your issue. Many people don’t experience all of these symptoms but instead, experience a combination of them. Common symptoms of TMJ include:

• Pain in the jaw
• Pain when chewing, especially hard foods
• Facial pain
• Headaches
• Pain in your TMJ join; it could be in one of both your joints
• Pain or ache in the ears
• Jaw popping out of place when you open your mouth too wide
• Popping or clicking noises when moving the jaw
• Joint locking might make closing your mouth difficult (sometimes impossible).

There are several factors and causes that come into play with TMJ. Some people are much more likely to develop this disorder than others. One common cause of developing TMJ disorder is grinding and clenching of the teeth (AKA Bruxism). Some people might unconsciously clench their teeth during stressful situations or at night. Professionals have also noticed that the symptoms of TMJ tend to worsen amongst patients during stressful times. It may cause significant wear and tear on your temporomandibular joint. Other causes of TMJ include:

• Joint getting out of alignment due to an accident or a severe injury to the head.
• Damage or erosion of your joint’s cartilage due to arthritis
• Connective tissue diseases or disorders that affect your temporomandibular joint
• Joint disk erosion, which might move your joint out of place

Contact Todays Dental for More Information Today!

If you feel you have a TMJ disorder and are seeking treatment, contact Todays Dental to book your appointment immediately! Our expert doctor will observe your jaw and its movement and alignment by feeling and listening to it as you open and close your mouth. We will also monitor the condition of your teeth to note any possible damage or erosion for conditions that might have contributed to your issues like Bruxism. Call our team at 815-609-1110 to book your appointment.