LIFESTYLE NEWS - The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your mandible (lower jaw) to your skull. The joint can be found on both sides of your head in front of your ears.
Trauma to the jaw or joint may play a role in the development of TMJ disorders.
In addition, there are other health conditions that may contribute to the development of these disorders. These include:
- Arthritis that develops in the joint
- Erosion of the joint
- Habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth
- Other factors are associated with the development of TMJ disorders e.g.
- The use of orthodontic braces
- Poor posture that strains the muscles of the neck and face
- Stress
- Poor diet
- Lack of sleep
The symptoms of TMJ disorders will depend on the severity and cause of your condition. Pain in the jaw and surrounding muscles is the most common symptom of TMJ. Other symptoms typically associated with these disorders include:
- Pain that can be felt in the face or neck
- Stiffness in the muscles of the jaw
- Limited movement of the jaw
- Locking of the jaw
- Clicking or popping sound from the jaw
- Shift in the jaw, changing the way that the upper and lower teeth align
How is TMJ treated?
In most cases, the symptoms of TMJ disorders can be treated through conservative self-care practices at home. To ease the symptoms of TMJ you can:
- Eat soft foods
- Use ice to reduce swelling
- Reduce jaw movements (such as chewing gum)
- Reduce stress
- Use jaw stretching exercises to help improve jaw movement
If your symptoms do not improve with these measures, you may need help from your doctor. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe or recommend the following:
- Medications to help reduce the pain of the disorder (such as ibuprofen)
- Medications to relax the muscles of the jaw (such as Valium)
- Medications to help reduce swelling in the jaw (corticosteroid drugs)
- Stabilisation splints or bite guards to prevent teeth grinding
- Botox to reduce tension in the muscle and nerves of the jaw
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy to help reduce stress
In rare instances, your doctor may recommend surgery or other procedures to treat your condition. Talk to your doctor about your options to determine what treatment is right for you.
