TMJ TREATMENTS
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects your jaw to the skull. When this joint is injured or damaged, it can lead to a pain disorder called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome or temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMJ disorders affect the jaw joint and muscles that control the jaw.
What are the best treatments for TMJ at Bonita Family Dental?
Self-care and lifestyle changes: In many cases, TMJ disorders can be treated at home. Self-care and lifestyle changes can help cope with mild-to-moderate symptoms. These include reducing movement of the jaw, jaw exercises, stress management, avoiding chewing gum, eating only soft foods and avoiding the clenching or tensing the jaw.
Surgery: In severe cases of TMJ disorder, surgery may be the most efficient treatment for pain and restricted movement. Surgery is only recommended when the joint has something wrong with it.
Symptoms and Causes of TMJ
Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome include:
- Jaw pain
- Ear pain
- Headaches
- Jaw clicking and popping
- Popping sounds in ears
- Stiff or sore jaw muscles
- Pain in the temple area or
- Locking of the jaw joint
Some of the main causes of TMJ disorders are:
- Stress
- Arthritis
- Gum chewing
- Injury to the teeth or jaw
- Misalignment of the teeth or jaw
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Poor posture
What are the risk factors for TMJ?
Some of the risk factors associated with TMJ disorders are:
- Arthritis
- Gender
- Chronic pain
- Bruxism
- Jaw injury
- Age
- Connective tissue diseases