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Most people assume that dental issues only affect individuals who fail to observe healthy dental practices. Unfortunately, despite your efforts to maintain a healthy smile, some problematic issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders may still affect you. Various diseases like arthritis may cause your jaw to slide abnormally, forcing you to have unrelenting jaw pain. Springfield TMJ specialists at Advantage Dental Care understand that the condition may result in adverse effects, including a lopsided facial structure when you fail to seek medical help. The good news is, TMJ may resolve independently or with medications.
What causes temporomandibular joint pain?
Your TMJ involves various bones responsible for its sliding motions. The joint also has cartilage and a shock-absorbing disc that maintains a smooth movement of your joint. Unfortunately, multiple factors increase your chances of developing TMJ disorders. For instance, a jaw injury or arthritis in your jaw puts you at a higher risk of having the condition. Additionally, you may be susceptible to TMJ when you clench or grind your teeth.
Therefore, TMJ disorders may occur when:
- Your disc erodes or shifts position
- A condition like arthritis affects your temporomandibular joint
- A hard blow or impact damages your jaw joint
However, you may also be at risk of TMJ when you have connective tissues ailments likely to affect your jaw joint or high-stress levels that force you to tighten your jaw or facial muscles.
What are the symptoms you are likely to have with TMJ?
Various TMJ causes might be responsible for that disabling pain on your jaw joint, most of which might be hard for your doctor to determine. However, your symptoms will depend on your condition’s severity. The symptoms can either affect one side of your face or both, with the typical symptoms including hearing a popping sound when you open your mouth.
TMJ’s initial symptoms you might look out for include:
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Having a clicking sound on your affected jaw
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Facial pain
- Locking of the affected jaw joint
- Difficulty talking or chewing food
Though the symptoms might be a nuisance, chances are high they might advance into severe complications like chronic earaches, headaches, constant ringing in your ears, or dizziness.
What happens when you ignore TMJ pain?
TMJ may be severe when you fail to contact your healthcare provider for professional help. The unrelenting pain may wear out or damage your teeth, causing you jaw problems and difficulty hearing. The condition may also affect your facial muscles, forcing you to have a lopsided facial structure.
What does TMJ treatment entail?
The treatment option your healthcare provider may recommend will depend on your condition’s severity and underlying causes. Your doctor may recommend medication, home remedies, or a surgical procedure to help alleviate your pain. The home remedies your doctor will most likely suggest include:
- Using heat or cold packs
- Eating soft foods
- Minimize your jaw movements
- Keep your teeth apart
- Using a mouth guard at night, especially if you grind your teeth
Though you cannot avoid having TMJ disorders, there are various things you can do to control the conditions. Call your healthcare provider to know the range of treatments they might recommend to minimize the distractions from the condition.
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