If jaw pain, stiffness, and/or a clicking sound when chewing sound familiar, you might have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The jawbone is connected to the skull by a joint called the TMJ, which allows one to talk, eat, and yawn. When this joint is damaged or inflamed, it can cause pain that can affect your quality of life. Visiting a dental office in South Tampa can help patients determine the cause of any pain and find relief.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder refers to any of the numerous problems that plague the jaw joint and the jaw movement-controlling muscles. Discomfort may be occasional and mild or chronic and debilitating to your eating and speaking. A person suffers from this condition in both sides of their jaw in some cases and only on one side in others.
Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include.
- Jaw pain or tenderness.
- When you open or close your mouth, you hear clicking, popping, or grinding sounds.
- Difficulty chewing or a feeling that your jaw is “locking.”
- Facial pain, headaches, or earaches.
- Swelling on one side of the face.
The first step to TMJ disorder management is understanding what it is. If the pain isn’t treated, then the pain may worsen and lead to other complications like teeth grinding and jaw misalignment.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
Here are the most common causes.
- Jaw Injury or Trauma
TMJ pain occurs due to an injury to the jaw joint or the surrounding muscles. This includes impact from sports accidents or whiplash. - Teeth Grinding (Bruxism).
If you clench or grind your teeth all the time, this can strain the TMJ, causing inflammation and fatigue in muscles. - Arthritis
Joint diseases such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can damage the cartilage within the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), causing pain and limited movement. - Misaligned Bite
Imbalanced joint movement over time can be caused by an irregular bite or a missing tooth. - Stress and Muscle Tension
Stress and anxiety lead to repetitive jaw clenching, which can cause persistent TMJ pain and discomfort.
By identifying what causes TMJ disorder, we can begin the treatment that eases pain and prevents dysfunction in the jaw. Treatment of TMJ disorder arises when a cause for the disorder has been found.
TMJ Disorder Treatment Options
Often, TMJ disorders can be treated without invasive means. Your dentist may recommend one or more of the following options depending on the severity of the symptoms.
- Lifestyle changes
You may want to alter your diet to include more soft foods, avoid chewing gum, and manage stress to reduce strain on the joint. - Medication
Painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants can help alleviate TMJ symptoms temporarily. - Oral Appliances
Mouth guards or splints can help prevent teeth grinding and can keep the jaw in the appropriate position. - Physical Therapy
Exercises are designed to strengthen the jaw muscles and can help restore them to their original range of motion and alleviate pain. - Advanced Dental Treatments
In extreme cases, treatments to correct the bite or orthodontics may be necessary in order to harmonize the jaws. If you are looking for TMJ treatment South Tampa, according to the severity, you will most likely receive a comprehensive treatment plan to achieve relief from your symptoms.
When to Seek TMJ Treatment Near You
If you have jaw pain for more than a few days, it gets worse when you move it, or it interferes with your daily routine. Then, you should visit a dentist near you. With early diagnosis and treatment, it could prevent pain from becoming chronic.
Conclusion
If you are affected by TMJ disorders, you are familiar with the impact a disorder can have on your comfort and daily activities. Nonetheless, there are treatments for TMJ disorders that can provide relief. Being aware of the causes and symptoms will allow you to take the necessary steps toward help. If you are suffering from TMJ, Charles Martin, DDS, can assist you. Our office for TMJ treatments in South Tampa will restore comfort, balance, and function to your jaw.
Charles Martin, DDS, believes in relieving your TMJ discomfort. Don’t wait to regain some control over your life; schedule your consultation today!