The body is a complex machine, and there’s perhaps nothing more intricate than the jaw muscle. Made up of ligaments, discs and bones, the system is known as the TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint — and when you’ve got a problem with the TMJ, you’ll certainly feel it. A disordered TMJ can be a highly uncomfortable issue, especially when left untreated. Learn more about the condition, including its causes and treatment, today.
All about TMJ disorder
Educating yourself on the TMJ can help you identify a problem, allowing you to seek treatment and receive the relief you need faster.
Causes of TMJ disorder
The disorder with the TMJ can be caused by a couple of factors, the most common of which are stress and a misaligned bite.
When we experience stress, we’re more likely to clench our teeth or hold stress in our jaws — a leading factor of TMJ disorder. Even if you don’t notice clenching throughout the day, stress can cause teeth grinding and clenching at night, putting excessive strain on the TMJ during sleep. Stress-related TMJ problems are common in American adults.
Misalignments in the teeth can also cause undue stress on the TMJ muscle. When the top and bottom teeth don’t properly meet, your jaw may make up the slack, working a little harder with each bite to fit together. Over time, this added stress causes the painful condition known as TMJ disorder.
Symptoms of the condition
If you or a loved one are suffering from any of the following, chances are good that you’re suffering from TMJ disorder.
- Clicking or popping jaw
- A jaw that locks into place
- Difficulty eating or opening the mouth wide
- Head, neck, ear or facial pain
- Tingling extremities
Schedule an appointment with your dentist to seek a treatment as soon as you suspect you have a problem with your TMJ.
TMJ disorder treatment
TMJ disorder can be treated in a variety of ways, and the one that works for you will depend on the cause of the condition. Sometimes simple stress-relief tactics are all that’s needed. Of if a bite misalignment causes the disorder, orthodontic treatment can correct the problem. A removable oral appliance can also help take stress off the jaw muscle during sleep.
If you suspect you or a loved one are suffering from the painful effects of TMJ disorder, please don’t wait to contact the team at Distinctive Smiles of Dublin. We can provide the TMJ treatment you need for better jaw function and much-needed relief.
Contact us to book your appointment today!