You will also find answers in this article to the questions, How do you diagnose TMJ and what are the options for treatment?
First, to answer the question what Is TMJ, let’s take a quick look at the definition of this disorder.
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. This is the ball and socket joint that links the lower jaw to the bone on either side of your head. The temporomandibular joint is supported by muscles that enable you to easily open and close your mouth.
If you frequently experience pain, unusual tenderness or discomfort in this area, you’re probably suffering from a TMJ disorder.
According to the National Institute Of Dental And Craniofacial Research, more than 10 million people are affected by this disorder.
What is TMJ and What causes this disorder
This has always been a rather controversial subject amongst medical experts and there has been alot of research done to try to figure out the exact causes of TMJ. The main discovery is that stress and trauma to the jaw are the two main key reasons. Some also say that anxiety in your life and rheumatoid arthritis play a role in this condition.
The highly esteemed Mayo Clinic, in an article they wrote recently, found that TMJ disorders can be caused by many different types of problems. You can check out the article here……Mayo Clinic TMJ Article.
What is TMJ – Signs and symptoms
Here are some of the typical signs associated with this condition:
- Constant headaches
- Difficulty in opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty when chewing
- Painful clicking of the jaw
- Tenderness in the areas surrounding the jaw
What is TMJ and How to diagnose temporomandibular joint disorder
Although there are no widely recognized tests to determine this ailment, now that you know what TMJ is, you should make an appointment with a qualified dentist and have him examine your joints and muscles for clicking, popping, unusual tenderness and difficulty in opening and closing your mouth.
You should ask your dentist, what is TMJ? They may then want to take x-rays and a mold of your mouth in order to check how your teeth fit together.
What is TMJ – Treating the problem
In some instances, the symptoms might disappear on their own. However, if they persist, your dentist will diagnose for sure if it is TMJ or not and will probably recommend the following treatments:
- Apply packs of ice to the inflamed area
- Avoid wide yawning and chewing gum
- Regularly practice various jaw exercises
Sometimes, dentists might suggest a more aggressive course of treatment such as surgery or orthodontics. However, because the remedies for TMJ disorders are so varied, it would be a good idea to get a second opinion before undergoing such treatment.
More importantly, do everything you can to avoid stressand anxiety.
There are other related articles like, TMJ Exercises and Treatments for TMJ that may help you relieve the pain. Check them out to the right under Recent Post.
It is my hope that this article What is TMJ has helped you to identify TMJ and how to go about successfully treating it and getting relief from the pain.
