The joint that connects your jaw to the skull is known as the temporomandibular joint. When damages or injuries are incurred by this joint it leads to a localized disorder known as TMJ syndrome. TMJ disorders can be caused by injury to the teeth or jaw, misalignment of the jaw or teeth, clenching or grinding of the teeth, stress, arthritis, and gum chewing. The symptoms and signs of TMJ syndrome include the following:
- Jaw pain.
- Jaw popping and clicking.
- Ear pain or earache.
- Headaches.
- Pain in the temple area.
- Sore or stiff jaw muscles.
- Locking of the jaw joints.
What Are the Causes of TMJ Syndrome?
The precise reasons for TMJ syndrome have not been understood by medical professionals. The muscle tightness and dysfunction that characterize this condition are contributed by multiple factors. No clarity is available about whether one or more of these causes directly leads to TMJ syndrome or if they are a reaction to this disorder. The causes of this condition may include:
- Malocclusion or trauma to the jaw and the teeth.
- Bruxism.
- Stress and anxiety.
- Poor posture.
- Inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders or arthritis.
- Orthodontic braces.
- Excessive gum chewing.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms Of TMJ Syndrome?
If you are a victim of TMJ syndrome you may consider contacting the dentist near me to understand why you are encountering the discomfort. Dentist 33952 will provide you with information that the joint is located in front of the ear and the pain associated with this condition could be in the eyes, face, forehead, neck and the ear. Some of the common signs and symptoms of TMJ syndrome include the following:
- Pain or tenderness in the area of the joint in the jaw.
- Clicking and popping of the jaw.
- Pain that is similar to a toothache.
- Ear pain or sounds of cracking.
- Tinnitus.
- Migraines or headaches.
- Muscle spasm’s in the jaw.
- Facial, mouth, jaw, cheek or chin pain with numbness and tingling.
- Pain and swelling in the temple area.
- Difficulty chewing.
- Pain in the shoulders.
- Discoloration of the jaw after yawning widely.
- Vertigo or dizziness.
How Is This Problem Diagnosed By Medical Professionals?
When you visit a doctor for TMJ treatment will be requested for your medical history as well as a physical exam to determine the precise causes of the symptoms. No specific test is available for diagnosing TMJ. The doctor may recommend you to an oral and maxillofacial specialist or a dentist in Port Charlotte specializing in jaw disorders to verify the diagnosis. The dentist offering TMJ treatment in Port Charlotte may request for an MRI scan of the temporomandibular joint for detecting damages to the cartilage of the jaw joint for ruling out any other medical problems. He or she may also refer you to the nearby area dentist near Punta Gorda, Murdock for further analysis.
Trigeminal neuralgia also has symptoms that are similar to TMJ. The temporomandibular joint receives nerve impulses from the trigeminal nerve and when it gets irritated it can cause facial pain. Pain could also be caused to the face and neck by swollen lymph nodes, salivary gland disease, ill-fitting dentures or dental braces.
Treatment for TMJ Syndrome
Home remedies, stress reduction, and relaxation techniques have responded well to the symptoms of TMJ syndrome. Therefore, some home remedies including the following may provide relief if you are suffering from this condition:
- Cold packs or ice on the area of the joint.
- Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and other pain relievers like aspirin and Tylenol will also prove helpful.
- Having soft foods and avoiding chewing gum altogether will prove beneficial.
- Massaging or gently stretching the jaw and neck muscles is also helpful under the supervision of a physical therapist.
- Stress management and relaxation techniques.
- A few sedative essential oils may provide some temporary relief from the pain and discomfort of TMJ syndrome.
If you do not find any relief from home remedies it may become necessary for you to consider medical options. Most treatments and remedies that are available will only provide temporary relief from the painful symptoms without curing the problem. Medical professionals may recommend the following:
- A bite guard which is placed in the mouth like a dental appliance to keep the teeth aligned for preventing bruxism. This is similar to a mouthguard and is typically prescribed and fitted by a dentist.
- Medical professionals may recommend using Botox for relaxing the muscles of the jaw. However, the FDA has not approved this method as a treatment for TMJ syndrome.
- Physical therapy with exercises of the jaw to strengthen the muscles can improve flexibility and range of motion.
- Physicians may prescribe marijuana to deal with TMJ pain in states where it is legal.
The symptoms of TMJ syndrome can be episodic and related to the lifestyle and stress that you may be facing. TMJ syndrome can be effectively managed by using self-care at home along with any recommendations provided by the dentist in Port Charlotte.