Do You Suffer From Tmj? Here's A Guide To Causes And Treatment Options

By Author: W. Gregory Rose
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TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, causes pain and discomfort in the jaw. If you’re one of the nearly 15 million people in the U.S. who suffer from TMJ, the cause might be due to injury to the jaw, dislocation of the joint itself, nerve damage, or muscular issues such as myofascial trigger points. Whatever reason it may be, it’s important to learn about the TMJ and tmj treatment Albuquerque available to you so that you can choose which one best fits your needs and lifestyle.

What is TMJ?

Temporomandibular joint disorder, more commonly known as TMJ, is a common jaw disorder that causes pain in your face, head, neck and jaw. The condition occurs when one or both of your temporomandibular joints—the area where your lower jaw meets your skull—become misaligned or damaged. While many people experience symptoms such as frequent headaches or earaches without knowing it’s related to their jaw, others can experience significant pain or other issues that impact their quality of life.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of TMJ?

The most common causes of TMJ include constant chewing or grinding of ...
... teeth, grinding one’s teeth, frequent clenching of jaw muscles and excessive gum chewing. This condition can also be caused by clenching or grinding teeth during sleep.

What Are The Symptoms Of TMJ?

• Pain in your jaw, face, or head that can radiate up into your ears

• Difficulty opening your mouth. Even brushing your teeth can be painful

• A clicking sensation in your jaw when you chew

• Feeling as if something is stuck in your mouth.

How Do I Know If I Have Jaw Pain/TMJ?

If you experience jaw pain, it may be caused by one of these conditions: severe headaches, biting your cheek or tongue (but not on purpose), clenching or grinding your teeth during sleep, or clenching your jaw in response to stress. Some common symptoms associated with these problems include ear pain, ringing in your ears, a sore throat or difficulty swallowing. Fortunately, there are solutions for each of these problems.

Who Should I Talk To About My Jaw Pain/TMJ Symptoms?

If you are experiencing jaw pain, your dentist may be able to recommend tmj dentist Albuquerque who can further diagnose and treat your symptoms. Tmj specialist Albuquerque is able to check for misalignment of teeth and other jaw problems that may be causing your pain.

Treatment Options

If you’re tired of living with TMJ, there are several treatment options available. Many people choose a non-surgical approach and opt for effective prescription medications or non-invasive procedures such as massage therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy or biofeedback. (Of course, in extreme cases surgery may be an option.) In fact, most often it is possible to find relief using more than one method; talk with your doctor about different possibilities.

Established in 1973, W. Gregory Rose DDS, PA provides advanced cosmetic dentistry in Albuquerque. We are committed to improving the health and aesthetics of your smile.