About TMJ Joint Pain
TMJ is pain caused by the misalignment of the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint that controls the movement of your jaw. According to the American Dental Association, around 10 million American adults suffer from TMJ. This syndrome often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
-
Muscles
-
There are five pairs of muscles that connect the upper and lower jaws. These muscles control the opening, closing and side-to-side movement of the lower jawbone. TMJ prevents this system from working properly.
Symptoms
-
TMJ has a variety of symptoms that are all related to the jaw muscles. TMJ causes the clicking and popping in the jaw joint. The jaw may also get stuck open or shut. Other symptoms include frequent headaches, pain in the face, neck or shoulders, tender jaw muscles and earaches without an ear infection. It may also be painful to chew, yawn or open your mouth.
-
Causes
-
The main cause of TMJ is usually the improper alignment of the jawbone. Genetics, orthodontia or the grinding of your teeth can cause the misalignment. Another cause of TMJ can come from habits like cradling your phone between your ear and shoulder. This habit puts stress on the jaw muscles. Injuries like whiplash or a blow to the jaw can also cause TMJ.
Dentist
-
TMJ can get better with home care, but sometimes it is best to consult a dentist. Warning signs include having trouble eating or opening your mouth. A dentist may create a special mouthpiece that is designed for use at night that helps relax your jaw muscles. You may need to have your jaws permanently realigned. This can be done by shaping tooth surfaces, moving teeth or by moving bony structures. Surgery is also an option for treatment.
Specialist
-
For professional treatment, ask for a referral from your regular dentist to a specialist that handles TMJ. Question the specialist in order to determine his experience in treating TMJ. Find out how many patients he has treated for TMJ and what his success rate is. Ask about the length of time for the typical treatment and the cost. Find out if he works with a team of specialists that can handle difference aspects of the treatment.
-
