TMJ, TMD, Jaw Pain

Honeygo Village Dentistry - Jaw Pain

The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is an important joint.Located anterior to the ears, the jaw (mandible) is able to articulate with theskull to allow speech and chewing.  It iscommon to have issues with the TMJ: pain, swelling, clicking or popping noises,jaw locking open or closed, and headaches. In severe cases, these symptoms can lead to a diagnosis of TMD(temporomandibular disorder).  There areoptions in treating and relieving the issues associated with the TMJ and TMD.

The first line of defense is to try to relieve these jawissues before needing dental or medical intervention(s).  The following are a list of remedies that canhelp improve TMJ discomforts:

·        Reduce stress to decrease chances of undue jointstress (clenching and grinding)

·        OTC pain relievers

·        Refrain from chewing gum or eating hard chewyfoods

·        Eat a soft diet

·        Jaw exercises and face massages

·        Use moist heat or ice to reduce pain andinflammation

A dental professional can prescribe treatments to reduce thesymptoms of TMD.  For individuals whoclench or grind their teeth, a night guard or splint may decrease the amount offorce placed on the teeth, jaw, and the muscles of the head and neck.  In some cases, the occlusionneeds to be adjusted by either occlusal reduction or orthodontic treatment.

Receiving treatments from other healthcare professionals maybe added to reduce symptoms.  A physicaltherapist can help with exercising the TMJ along with the neck.  Ultrasound and TENS therapy can allowrelief.  In rare and severe TMD cases,surgery (arthroscopy or open joint) may be needed to improve the TMJ and itsarticulation.  The best scenario is tofind a self-help solution to treat TMD and its symptoms; although, there are ahandful of treatments and professionals that can help.