Problems with the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) can affect a person's jaw, teeth, gums and facial structures. The TMJs are the pair of sliding, hinge joints that connect the lower jaw to the rest of the skull. These are the joints that allow us to open and close our mouths as we chew and speak.
Issues with the temporomandibular joints often lead to pain originating from there or surrounding muscles. Clenching or grinding teeth puts extra strain on a person's muscles, leading to inflammation. People with TMJ issues often experience difficulty chewing, swallowing, making facial expressions, breathing, eating and speaking.
TMJ disorders tend to damage teeth or throw off their alignment. This often leads to tooth pain, misaligned teeth, weakness or a bad bite. Additionally, the teeth may be prone to sensitivity and brittleness, which can result in cracks and chips. Poorly-aligned teeth are harder to clean and that can leave a person vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. Thus, those with TMJ disorders have a higher risk of developing both conditions.
One of the most common symptoms that accompany TMJ issues is pain. Many people that have problems with their temporomandibular joints describe the pain as a dull variety. The pain typically originates around the TMJs, but it can also come from nearby areas like the ears or neck. Some people with TMJ disorders do not experience any pain, but rather, they only have difficulty opening and closing their mouths. Other symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
Occasional discomfort coming from the jaw or the muscles around it does not necessarily mean a person has TMJ issues. Some people who develop issues with their temporomandibular joints end up getting better without any treatment. Most cases of TMJ disorders resolve themselves within a few months.
People develop TMJ issues for various reasons. Some cases are caused by an injury to the jaw. This can be the result of trauma to the face or a health condition like arthritis. A person's genetics and diseases that weaken the immune system can also lead to TMJ problems.
As mentioned earlier, most cases of TMJ problems go away on their own. Simple home remedies and over-the-counter medication works for most people. Reversible treatments are the first line of defense when it comes to dealing with TMJ since their effects can be altered as needed. This includes:
Since TMJ disorders tend to most affect the function of the jaw and teeth, irreversible treatments are sometimes needed to manage the condition. These include:
Dealing with TMJ issues? Call or visit our Grand Blanc clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://smilefreshdentalgrandblanc.com or call Smile Fresh Dental at (810) 515-7083 for an appointment in our Grand Blanc office.
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