TMJ Disorders
(Part II)
We now continue with our discussion of the topic, TemporoMandibular Joint (TMJ) by focusing on the symptoms.
People with TMJ may experience some symptoms such as:
a) Pain or tenderness of the jaw;
b) Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints;
c) Pain in and around your ear;
d) Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing;
e) Facial pain;
f) Locking of the joint, which makes it difficult to open or close one’s mouth.
TMJ disorders usually also cause a clicking sound or grating sensation when a sufferer would open the mouth or chew.
If there is no pain or the jaw movement is not limited, there is a possibility that you might not need to get TMJ treatment.
It is best to seek medical advice if there is persistent tenderness or you experience some pain in your jaw or you are unable to open or close completely your jaw.
The dentist may be able to detect if you have a TMJ problem and provide you with the right treatment for your situation.
The temporomandibular joint has a hinge action with sliding motions. The bones interacting in the joint are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which is the one that makes the motion painless and smooth.
Painful TMJ disorder happens when:
a)The disk is eroded or misaligned;
b)The cartilage of the joint is damaged by arthritis;
c) An accident causes damage to the joint.
In most instances, the cause of TMJ is unknown.
Moreover, risk factors of TMJ are arthritis or rheumatism, jaw injury, chronic grinding or clenching of the teeth and disease that may cause TMJ.