How to Identify What Causes TMJ
TMJ is temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disease disorder of the jaw joint or temporomandibular. With this disease, any movement of the jaw or surrounding muscles, nerves or ligaments creates pain. This pain can spread to your ears and even create headaches. People with this disorder typically eliminate anything that creates extra jaw movement, like chewing gum. Popping and clicking of the jaw and jaw locking are both common symptoms of this disorder.
Instructions
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Note that one cause of TMJ is when the jaw joint itself wears down. This can happen for a number of reasons, including age, and usually over a period of time.
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Determine if you have had any accidents or head or face injuries that may have affected your jaw. TMJ can result if the jaw joint after an injury becomes abnormal in shape.
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Acknowledge signs of arthritis in other parts of your body. TMJ can occur in people who already have arthritis. Arthritis changes can affect your jaw joint.
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Look at your teeth. Do they line up when you bite down, or is there an obvious overbite? People with malocclusion of the teeth or overbites are more prone to TMJ.
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Watch for signs of grinding the teeth while sleeping. This can be a major cause of TMJ; your doctor can recommend special bite plates to use at night while you sleep to eliminate the teeth grinding.
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Avoid or limit the amount of gum chewing. The repetitive chewing can cause TMJ.
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Tips & Warnings
If you think you may be grinding your teeth, a night guard--sometimes referred to as a splint--is a must. It fits over the teeth, preventing the night-time grinding.
