Are you experiencing pain in your jaw? Are you having trouble opening or closing your mouth? If the corners of your jaw are causing you trouble, TMJ may be the problem. TMJ is also known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, and it is typically characterized by symptoms in the jaw and surrounding areas.
How Injuries Can Cause TMJ Problems
According to your trusted oral surgeon in Woodland Hills, TMJ can be caused by a variety of factors. It is important to understand how injuries can cause TMJ problems in order to avoid them. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available depending on the cause of your TMJ pain. Let’s look at the most common causes and discuss possible treatment options for mild to advanced forms of TMJ disorder.
Injuries That Cause TMJ
TMJ can be caused by many different factors. Most commonly, TMJ is caused by a physical injury to the jaw or teeth. This can cause severe pain and other side effects like an inability to open or close the mouth all the way, making it difficult to chew. TMJ can also be caused by misalignments in the teeth. This could be present since birth or caused by injury at a later point in life.
Injuries aside, the consistent grinding of the teeth is actually the most common cause of TMJ. Still, a combination of poor posture and grinding and clenching can lead to the teeth getting weak and becoming cracked. Teeth grinding and clenching can occur for many reasons, with anxiety and stress being the most common.
Major Symptoms of TMJ
TMJ can be frustrating, painful, and even emotionally difficult to deal with as you use your jaw for so many things in life. There are many symptoms that can be experienced by patients with TMJ, with the most prominent including:
- Jaw popping clicks
- Sore teeth
- Painful or stiff jaw muscles
- Random locking of the jaw
- Inability to fully open the jaw
- Ear and headaches
- Teeth becoming increasingly misaligned
TMJ is one of the most commonly used joints in the body and is therefore susceptible to pain that stems from many different types of injuries. TMJ is unfortunately a bit common, but that is why our Tarzana specialists have a number of advanced treatments available.
What are the Treatments for TMJ?
There are many treatment options available for those who have been diagnosed as having a temporomandibular disorder. Our experts can offer comprehensive treatment options that address more than just the jaw. Because jaw pain can be caused by so many other issues, it is important to have comprehensive treatment.
At-Home Solutions
TMJ disorder or TMD is treated with a combination of home changes and over-the-counter medications. Tylenol or ibuprofen should be taken in conjunction with hot and cold compresses to the jaw. Still, this can help reduce pain, tightness, or discomfort in the surrounding area.
Dental Treatments
You should visit your dentist for additional treatments such as a night guard, which can be worn at night to prevent undue clenching. You might also be a good candidate for TMJ surgery depending on the severity of your symptoms.
TMD is often linked to stress and anxiety. It is therefore important to concentrate on relaxation and behavioral techniques that can help reduce symptoms. It is possible to develop habits that will help you stop grinding and clenching your teeth as often as you want. The pain will gradually diminish over time.
Get Rid of TMJ Today!
Temporomandibular disorder, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that gets worse if it is not treated. There are many options for treatment, including over-the-counter medication and surgery. However, different treatments work best for different patients. Your trusted dentist will perform a complete examination of your jaw. Get in touch with your TMJ specialist in Tarzana to learn more ASAP!