More and more people suffer from temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), largely because of the high stress environment of the world. There are amazing pressures today that cause havoc on various parts of the body. Anyone with pain in the jaw area needs to consult a caring medical professional, such as one at Bella Dental, to find out if they have TMJ, because it is a fairly serious condition.
To help those who need to know more about TMJ, its symptoms and how to prevent it, following is an explanation of the medical condition that will clear up most pressing patient questions, before their arrival at Bella Dental in Katy TX.
What is TMJ?
Each person has temporal bones in their skull, located in front of the ears. The jaw and these bones have the temporomandibular joint to link them together. This joint makes it possible to chew and speak. Proper use of the temporomandibular joint is necessary to live well. When patients have problems that affect their jaw muscles, dentists refer to it as TMJ.
Though dentists have found no definitive reason why people get TMJ, there are some common causes, which include:
- Arthritis
- Severe teeth grinding
- Stress
- Whiplash
TMJ Symptoms and Problems
The pain and discomfort in the jaw may last for a long time, some feel the affects for years. Others report suffering from tendonitis in the shoulder area. There are even those who complain of pain around their ears while chewing.
One of the worst cases of TMJ is when the jaw locks in place. These victims then cannot open or close their mouths for a period. There may also be a clicking sound when chewing before the jaw stops working.
Related Symptoms Include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Hearing difficulties
- Ringing ears
- Toothaches
Be sure to discuss the presence of any of these conditions with the caring staff at Bella Dental. A life of pain is not good for anyone. Fortunately, TMJ is preventable.
How to Prevent TMJ
There are a number of ways to combat TMJ. Most simply, a patient can take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce swelling. They can also be more vigilant about chewing slowly and yawning more carefully. Additionally, eating soft foods comes highly recommended. Yogurt, fish and beans are some examples of foods that a TMJ sufferer could find amenable to their condition.
Oral care professionals may also want to perform some dental work to correctly align the teeth. Quite often, missing teeth, and other imperfections, cause patients to bite more extremely than recommended, resulting in TMJ.
It is also possible that someone with TMJ will need to undergo oral surgery. An arthrocentesis can unlock a jaw. Meanwhile, an arthroscopy can remove tissue buildup in the temporomandibular joint.
Call Bella Dental to Discuss Compassionate TMJ Solutions
There is no need to continue suffering from TMJ. Those in need of help only need contact Bella Dental to make their next appointment the one that solves the problem.
When making an appointment with Bella Dental in Katy TX, remember to mention this blog about TMJ to receive a free initial consultation and dental X-Ray!
