TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, refers to the joint between the jaw and skull. The TMJ is the only joint that connects each side of your face and contains two small joints: one above the ear and one below. TMJ Leander allows you to move your jaw back and forth.
TMJ problems are most common in adults but can also occur in children. If you have a problem with your TMJ, it can cause many serious health issues over time, including pain, headaches, and more serious conditions like arthritis (joint inflammation). Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat these symptoms if they are severe enough.
If you have a problem with your TMJ, it is essential to get treatment right away so that you can avoid serious health problems down the road.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
- Pain in the face, jaw, or teeth
- Swelling around the mouth
- Tenderness or pain in the face, jaw, or teeth
- Grinding of the teeth at night
- Jaw popping or clicking sounds during chewing and swallowing
- Jaw misalignment (malocclusion)
What are the causes of TMJ?
Improper bite
The first cause of TMJ is an improper bite. This is usually caused by a lack of awareness about how your jaw moves in your sleep and during the day. You may not realize that you are holding your mouth open too wide or may not be aware that you are clenching your teeth together at night. Or, perhaps, you have learned to clench your teeth together because of a habit picked up by someone else. Whatever the reason, it is important to know what causes this condition and how to correct it in order to prevent further damage to the jaw joint and TMJ symptoms.
Jaw muscle weakness
When a person suffers from TMJ, their jaw muscles weaken because they are not used properly. The result is that when you open your mouth, it may hurt or feel sore because there is not enough strength in your jaw muscles to support it properly when it is open wide like this or closed tight like that.
Genetics
Some people are more prone to developing TMJ than others; however, genetics is not the only factor contributing to this condition. Other factors include stress, sleep deprivation, poor posture, obesity, and age-related changes in bone density. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor about treatment options so you can get relief as quickly as possible.
Poor posture
Bad posture, or jaw misalignment, is a major cause of TMJ discomfort and pain. Poor jaw positioning can lead to wear and tear on the ligaments that hold your lower jaw in place and a lack of proper alignment between your upper and lower jaws. If your teeth don’t touch each other when you close your mouth, they can rub together, causing irritation and inflammation in your face.
Can TMJ be treated?
Although TMJ is a rampant problem, it can be treated. The most common treatment for TMJ is a combination of physical therapy, oral appliances, and prescription medications.
Many different factors can contribute to TMJ when it is more severe. These include clenching and grinding habits, certain foods and beverages, traumatic injury, joint inflammation, muscle strain, stress, and even the shape of the face. If you have this condition, contact Pendleton Orthodontics DDS experts for help.
