The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull's temporal bones, the two bones that are in front of your ear. The joint lets you move your jaw so you could chew, eat, talk, laugh, and yawn. However, your joint could have problems. This is called temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
How does one get TMD? When you get involved in a serious accident, and it results in whiplash, or a heavy blow to your neck or jaw, you could have TMD. Here are other cause of temporomandibular disorder:
1. Stress, especially when you tighten your jaw and facial muscles. You also acquire this disorder when you clench your teeth too much.
2. Arthritis
3. Grinding your teeth because this puts a lot of pressure on your joint.
4. When the disc between the socket and the ball of the joint is moved.
5. Poor posture
6. Jaw trauma
7. Abnormalities in the function of the jaw.
When TMD is not addressed immediately, it can give you a lot of pain and inconvenience. For the most part, you will not be able to eat or talk properly. It also gives you discomfort, and could affect the sides of your face. Men and women who usually suffer from TMD are aged 20 to 40 years old. Some doctors say that women aged 18-44 are also at risk.
The common symptoms of TMD are:
1. Tenderness or pain in your jaw joint area, your jaw, shoulders and neck, and around your ear, especially when you speak, yawn, or chew.
2. Your jaws get locked or stuck when you open or close your mouth.
3. You have difficulty when you open your mouth wide.
4. You hear a clicking, grating, or popping sound when you close, or open your mouth. This may give you a lot of pain also.
5. Your face manifests a tired look.
6. You experience trouble in chewing or biting your food.
7. One side or both sides of your face swell.
8. You will have headaches, toothaches, earaches, neck aches, dizziness, and pain in the shoulder. You may also have tinnitus or hearing problems.
TMD can be cured, fortunately. You may resort to home remedies, such as putting ice packs on the affected area, or taking over-the-counter medicine (nonsteroidal and anti-inflammatory such as mefenamic acid). You should also refrain from chewing gum. Get a gentle massage on the neck and shoulders. When these do not work, you may need the help of a doctor. You may need physical therapy, surgery, or even Botox injections.
If you see any symptoms of TMD, consult your TMD dentist in Burke, VA immediately.