TMJ, or TMD, is a condition that affects your temporomandibular joint, which is responsible for your jaw opening and closing. It’s not uncommon, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The Institute says that roughly 10 million people in the United States struggle with it. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different symptoms of TMJ and the steps you can take to combat it.
You Can Get It a Variety of Ways
This condition, which is what happens when your temporomandibular joint slides out of place, can happen for a variety of reasons. You could have sustained a jaw injury, have arthritis in the jaw, or grind your teeth and clench your jaw. These are the main causes, but this is not an exhaustive list.
There Are Several Different Symptoms
People who have TMJ report things like constant achiness in the side of their jaw where it connects to the skull. This can be on one side or both. They may hear a clicking sound when they open their mouth to talk or eat. If you think you may be experiencing these symptoms, be sure to contact a doctor.
Don’t Try To Fix It Yourself
One of the main symptoms of TMJ is possibly having your jaw lock in place, whether open or shut. It can be a very disconcerting thing, but the main thing you need to know is that you have to seek dental care right away. Don’t try to do it yourself. That would wind up causing more damage to your jaw.
Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms
You do not want to leave TMJ untreated. If you do, you can have things like damaged teeth, lopsided facial muscles, and even hearing loss. Treatments can range from using ice packs to wearing a mouthguard, especially if you grind your teeth at night. Get consistent dental care for this. They will tell you what you should do to manage the symptoms.
It’s Extremely Manageable
If you do wind up getting TMJ, it doesn’t mean the end of the world. You simply need to manage the symptoms and pay attention to how you use your jaw. If you grind your teeth because of stress, see about changing your environment. Being in a more relaxing setting can be very beneficial for both you and your jaw. Simple fixes can go a long way.
Are you looking for quality dental care in your area? We can help you find excellent dentists who can assist you with your TMJ as well as do routine cleanings and other dental services. Contact us today!