Are you having pain or tenderness in your jaw? Do you have difficulty opening your mouth or chewing? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then there is a possibility that you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.TMJ is known for causing pain and discomfort in the jaw, and it can make simple tasks such as eating, drinking, or brushing one’s teeth uncomfortable. The causes of TMJ disorder can be difficult to determine, but they often trace back to a jaw injury, arthritis, or trauma.According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH), TMJ refers to a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control the jaw’s movement.the NIH doesn’t know for certain how many people suffer from TMJ disorders, but some estimate the numbers to be over 10 million. The condition is also more common among women than men.Health Problems that Coexist with TMJ Some people who have TMJ have other health problems, such as arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and sleep disturbances. Rheumatic disease, such as arthritis, cause inflammation and stiffness in the joints, muscle, and bone. However, the exact link between arthritis and TMJ is unknown.Signs and Symptoms of TMJ For many individuals, the symptoms of TMJ start without an obvious reason. In fact, research now disputes the popular belief that TMJ is triggered by braces or a bad bite.Symptoms of TMJ include:
If you believe that you may be suffering from TMJ disorder, we suggest that you contact our office to meet with our Beverly Hills dentist for a thorough examination. We can take a detailed medical and dental history, examine the problem area, and rule out any more serious problems.Depending on the case, treatments may include home and lifestyle remedies, pain relievers, and bite guards to name a few. Contact Zadeh Dentistry today to schedule your initial consultation.
