Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a disorder that affects the muscles of the jaw.
This disorder is characterised by pain where the jawbone and the skull meet at the temporomandibular joint. This joint is located on either side of the head or just in front of the ears. TMJ causes pain and discomfort with jaw movements such as chewing, yawning, and talking.
TMJ symptoms include an aching pain in the jaw, face, and around the ear; a clicking or popping sensation when the jaw is opened or closed; and difficulty and discomfort when chewing.
If left untreated, TMJ can also cause headaches, an uneven bite, and, in some extreme cases, the joint itself will lock, rendering a person unable to open or close their mouth.
Many factors will lead to TMJ, including arthritis, a facial injury, or teeth grinding, which overworks the muscles of the jaw. Women between the ages of 30 and 50 have the highest risk for developing TMJ, but individuals with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and various sleep disorders are also at a high risk.
TMJ is very common, but symptoms for most people are mild and easily resolved with help from a dentist. In many cases of TMJ, a change of behaviour is all that is needed to resolve the problem. For those who suffer from TMJ, a dentist may prescribe an overnight bite guard to prevent patients from grinding their teeth while sleeping.
Many treatments for TMJ don’t require a medical professional. Some of the at-home methods to relieve pain include finding ways to use the jaw muscles less, such as eating softer foods or cutting foods into smaller portions.
People who suffer from TMJ are also advised to avoid chewing gum and to not open their mouths too wide when chewing. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, we would be happy to help at Creative Smiles.
Please contact Sara at [email protected], or you can call one of our Creative Smiles Team on 02890 618545.