Although you hear more about hip and knee joints, the most used joint in your body is likely your temporomandibular joint. Both knee and temporomandibular joints (TMJ) have a soft tissue disc between the joint’s bones. This disc serves an important function by absorbing and distributing stress placed on the joint. Ailments of the discs of the knees and temporomandibular joints cause significant problems and are treated very differently. For example, knee replacements occur two thousand times more often than the TMJ. Find out if you can and how to cure TMJ permanently.
If you have jaw pain or other TMJ symptoms listed below, schedule an appointment at Trident Dental for a comprehensive TMJ evaluation.
What Is The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
The temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to the base of your skull. They are located in front of each ear and allow sliding, rotating, lateral, opening, and closing movements of your lower jaw. When your lower jaw is properly aligned with these joints, the movements are smooth and free of pain.
What Are The Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
When the muscles, bones, ligaments, and discs do not function properly, it causes TMJ disorder. The symptoms of this condition include:
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Jaw pain or fatigue.
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Difficulty opening and closing your mouth.
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Joint stiffness and diminished range of motion.
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Headaches.
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Clicking or popping noises when moving your jaw.
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Teeth grinding.
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Pain or ringing in the ears.
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Tooth pain.
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Misalignment of the fit of upper and lower teeth.
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Joint locking open or closed.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
In most cases of TMJ disorder, the cause is not clear. However, several factors appear to increase the risk of developing symptoms associated with the TMJ, such as:
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Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism).
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Arthritis.
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Bite misalignment.
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Trauma.
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Stress.
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Fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome.
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Hereditary conditions such as Muenke syndrome.
Is TMJ Disorder Permanent?
Fortunately, most pain from TMJ disorders is temporary and goes away on its own without any treatment. However, the pain and other symptoms can become so severe or long-standing that treatment is needed.
How to Cure TMJ Permanently?
Initially, mild cases of TMJ disorder can be managed successfully with proper home care. However, if symptoms persist, worsen, or recur frequently, your dentist can suggest appropriate professional treatments.
Home Care Remedies for TMJ
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Avoid eating hard and chewy foods such as nuts, carrots, ice, and bagels.
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Apply ice or heat packs to joints or sore jaw muscles.
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Minimize wide jaw opening, such as yawning and singing.
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Improve your posture, especially while sitting.
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Sleep on your back with adequate support of your neck with pillows.
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Manage stress with meditation, yoga, and other practices.
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Use various jaw exercises to improve jaw mobility.
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Avoid unhealthy habits such as clenching your teeth or chewing on nonfood items such as pens or fingernails.
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Eat soft foods.
Professional Treatment of TMJ
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Custom mouthguard to reduce teeth grinding and clenching.
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Dental fillings, crowns, bridges, or braces to improve the alignment and bite of your teeth.
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TMJ pain medication or anesthetic injections.
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Botox injections.
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TMJ surgery.
Schedule Appointment
Contact Trident Dental to learn how we can help you with jaw pain and other TMJ disorder symptoms. In addition, we provide treatments such as custom night guards and invisible braces to help prevent and cure TMJ permanently.