The symptom and causes
TMJ is typically characterized by chronic jaw pain, a clicking or popping sound when you open and close your mouth or if one regularly wakes up with headaches. Other symptoms could include neck ache or ear ache. TMJ is a complex disorder which affects the jaw points, facial muscles, facial nerves and surrounding tissues. TMJ causes are not fully defined but may be caused by stress, hormonal fluctuations in women, misaligned bites (malocclusions) and teeth grinding (bruxism) are considerations. If the pain persists or worsens, your dentist may refer you to a specialist in this issue.
Prevention
- Treatment of bruxism in its early stages.
- Orthodontic equipment to prevent misaligned teeth before TMJ presents
Treatment
Symptoms of TMJ disorder are so expansive and therefore the treatment needs to be customized to an individual’s unique problem. The most common treatments are as follows:
Recommended to you by your dentist. This includes a daily routine and general care which may be an effective stand alone treatment in mild cases of TMJ. https://fresherbreath.co.za
May be prescribed to temporarily alleviate the pain associated with TMJ.
- A Self care program
- Recommended to you by your dentist. This includes a daily routine and general care which may be an effective stand alone treatment in mild cases of TMJ.
- Medications
- May be prescribed to temporarily alleviate the pain associated with TMJ.
- Replace missing teeth
- May prevent the teeth from over crowding or dental irregularities and could reduce MJ pain.
- Physical facial therapy
- Assists in strengthening the jaw and alleviating discomfort in the area.
- Orthodontic braces
- Corrects misaligned bites which cause TMJ.
- Splint or a Mouthguard
- This is sometimes effective in preventing bruxism.
- Cortisone injections
- Relieves inflammation and is highly effective in relieving TMJ pain.
- Oral Surgery
- Considered as an ‘if all else fails’ solution for severe cases of TMJ.
TMJ is typically characterized by chronic jaw pain, a clicking or popping sound when you open and close your mouth or if one regularly wakes up with headaches. Other symptoms could include neck ache or ear ache. TMJ is a complex disorder which affects the jaw points, facial muscles, facial nerves and surrounding tissues. TMJ causes are not fully defined but may be caused by stress, hormonal fluctuations in women, misaligned bites (malocclusions) and teeth grinding (bruxism) are considerations. If the pain persists or worsens, your dentist may refer you to a specialist in this issue.
Prevention
- Treatment of bruxism in its early stages.
- Orthodontic equipment to prevent misaligned teeth before TMJ presents
Treatment
Symptoms of TMJ disorder are so expansive and therefore the treatment needs to be customized to an individual’s unique problem. The most common treatments are as follows:
- A Self care program
- Recommended to you by your dentist. This includes a daily routine and general care which may be an effective stand alone treatment in mild cases of TMJ.
- Medications
- May be prescribed to temporarily alleviate the pain associated with TMJ.
- Replace missing teeth
- May prevent the teeth from over crowding or dental irregularities and could reduce MJ pain.
- Physical facial therapy
- Assists in strengthening the jaw and alleviating discomfort in the area.
- Orthodontic braces
- Corrects misaligned bites which cause TMJ.
- Splint or a Mouthguard
- This is sometimes effective in preventing bruxism.
- Cortisone injections
- Relieves inflammation and is highly effective in relieving TMJ pain.
- Oral Surgery
- Considered as an ‘if all else fails’ solution for severe cases of TMJ.