TMJ disorder (a dysfunction with your jaw’s joints) is one
of the most evasive dental issues, despite the sometimes-debilitating nature of
the pain it causes. Actually, the wide range of possible TMJ warning signs is
one of the main reasons why diagnosing the condition can be difficult. Besides jaw
pain, symptoms can also include headaches, earaches, dizziness, and other
symptoms that might not even seem to relate to your dental health. To help you
determine if you should be concerned about your jaw health, we answer a few
common questions about TMJ disorder, and why it causes such widespread
discomfort.
What exactly is TMJ disorder?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, two of which connect
your lower jaw, or mandible, to your skull, at the temporal bone. TMJ disorder
can describe a number of different issues that involve damage, misalignment,
inflammation, degradation, or trauma to the joints and the muscles that move
them.
What causes the jaw pain?
Your TMJs can be afflicted in a number of ways. For example,
an imbalanced bite can force your jaw to work harder, or excessive stress can cause you to consistently clench your jaw and grind your teeth together. In any
case, once the joints and muscles are afflicted, they can disturb your jaw’s
nerves, which also traverse the majority of your head, neck, and face,
spreading the discomfort to numerous other areas.
Can I cure this at home?
In minor cases, the symptoms of TMJ disorder can be relieved
with home remedies, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, gently massaging
your temples, and placing an ice pack or heating pad over the joints. In other
cases, however, you may need professional treatment to alleviate whatever is
causing damage to your jaw joints.
ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:
Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced
general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a
patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he
offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you
and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation
or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting
us at (972) 262-5111.
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