TMJ DISORDER
Causes of TMJ. The exact cause are unknown, it is believed that the following may be contributing factors: lost teeth, clenching or grinding of teeth during the day or night, mental or physical stress, arthritis, misaligned or unstable bite, head and neck injuries, muscle spasms and frequent headaches.
Symptoms of TMJ. If the joint is not functioning properly, certain symptoms can occur: frequent headaches, dizziness, light headedness, ringing in the ears, pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the muscles of the face, neck and shoulder, clicking or grinding noises of the jaw, pain on opening or chewing, facial or jaw pain, inability to open the jaw fully, locking of the jaw, fullness in the sinus, pain in the back of the eyes.
The TMJ is the joint connecting the skull and lower jaw. Utilizing numerous motions, the jaw aids in speech and chewing food.
Diagnosing TMJ. X-rays of the teeth and jaw can help determine if the problem is dental in nature. If it is, procedures can be done to improve the alignment of the bite, such as bite recontouring to reform the teeth and the addition of crowns. If the problem is not dental in nature, then your dentist can refer you to a medical doctor, an orthodontist, an oral surgeon or a physical therapist.
Treatment of TMJ. There are serval treatment options: an acrylic appliance or "night guard" if grinding is a problem, massage, prescription or nonprescription medicines, relaxation techniques, muscle stretching, ice packs or heat packs to ease symptoms, cutting food in smaller pieces to help alleviate stress to the jaw, switching to a soft diet, avoiding ice and chewing gum. In rare cases, surgery is required only after other forms of treatment have been exhausted.
TMJ dysfunction is being recognized by an ever increasing number of medical and dental practitioners. Please let your dentist know if you have any concerns or symptoms of TMJ. Early detection is the key to eliminating the symptoms of TMJ.
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