
What are the Symptoms of a TMJ Disorder?
The usual signs that one has a TMJ disorder are soreness or pain in the areas of the ears, face, temporomandibular joints and jaw. Other symptoms include difficulty eating or opening and closing your mouth all the way. Also, listen for any sounds of grating or clicking when you chew, open, or close your mouth.
If there’s no pain involved with the jaw clicking, you likely won’t need any treatment. However, you should seek medical attention if you have continual soreness or pain in the jaw, or if you can’t fully open or close it. Dr. David Currie will examine you to determine potential causes and remedies.
What are the Causes of a TMJ Disorder?
It is often hard to pinpoint the precise cause of a patient’s TMJ disorder. The pain may arise from more than one factor. Jaw injuries, arthritis, genetics, and bruxism (teeth grinding) are all possible causes.
Temporomandibular joints combine hinge motions with sliding actions. The section of the bones that joins with the joint are covered over with a layer of cartilage. A small shock-absorbing disk separates the joints and allows the movement of the jaw to operate smoothly.
If this disk moves out of position or erodes, discomforting TMJ disorders can result. Disorders also occur if arthritis or impacts damage the cartilage covering the joint.
How are TMJ Disorders Treated?
If you have a TMJ disorder, you need to know how to treat it properly. Here are some things you can do by yourself.
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
Stay aware of any stress-reducing habits you may have, such as grinding your teeth, biting your nails, or chewing on hard objects, and strive to limit them. You also don’t want to overuse your jaw muscles, so eat softer foods, cut up your food into smaller pieces, and avoid sticky foods and gum.
Dr. David Currie can also teach you exercises that allow you to strengthen and stretch the muscles in your jaw. You can also massage your jaw muscles. Alleviate pain by applying a moist heat source or an ice pack to your face.
FAQs
How is TMJ diagnosed?
TMJ disorder is diagnosed through a combination of a clinical examination and imaging tests. Dentists assess jaw movement, listen for clicking or popping sounds, and check for tenderness or pain in the jaw joint. Advanced imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, may be used to evaluate the joint structure and rule out other conditions.
Can TMJ be cured?
While there is no single permanent cure for TMJ disorder, many patients experience significant relief with proper treatment. Depending on the severity, options may include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, custom oral appliances, medication, or, in rare cases, surgery. Early intervention can help prevent symptoms from worsening.
Are there any self-care techniques to help alleviate symptoms?
Yes, several self-care techniques can help manage TMJ symptoms. Applying warm or cold compresses, practicing gentle jaw exercises, avoiding hard or chewy foods, maintaining good posture, and managing stress through relaxation techniques can all help alleviate discomfort. If symptoms persist, professional treatment may be necessary.