7 Reasons You Should Consider TMJ Treatment

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Your temporomandibular joint helps you to swallow food and speak. Most people do not even think about this joint unless they have a problem. The TMJ joint connects your jaw and skull. The joint allows you to open and close your mouth so that you can speak and chew.

What Are TMJ Disorders?

If there is a problem with the joint, it is known as TMJ disorder. Its symptoms can be severe or mild. There are several other ailments that can mimic TMJ, so it is important that you seek out an appointment with your dentist to get a clear diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with TMJ, you will want to make sure that you visit your dentist regularly and follow the treatment plan. Left untreated, the condition can cause extreme pain and the loss of using the jaw muscles.

Reasons Why You Should See Your Dentist

1. Pain in your jaw, face, or ears. If you have TMJ, you will experience pain in your ears, jaw, and face. This pain may be moderate to severe and come on suddenly.

2. Migraine Headaches. One of the issues with TMJ is that it can trigger migraine-like headaches. You may be completely debilitated and unable to work or do your normal activities due to the pain.

3. Eye pain and pressure. TMJ can cause pressure and pain that builds up behind your eyes. This can cause you not to be able to do your normal everyday routine.

4. Clicking or popping sounds. TMJ can cause sounds like clicking and popping. This happens whenever you try to chew or talk. It can be extremely frustrating to have this happen when you are trying to eat or talk. Some people may experience pain when clicking or popping happens.

5. Jaw feels out of place. For some TMJ sufferers, they may feel like their jaw is out of the socket. This can be quite uncomfortable and can lead you to sit in the dentist’s chair.

6. Sore muscles. Muscles in the face and around the jaw may constantly feel sore. This may affect the way that you eat, drink, and talk.

7. Swollen face. Some people with TMJ have a swollen face. This can be due to inflammation in the muscles. Left untreated, this swelling can cause pain and issue with the facial muscles and should be treated quickly.

Treatment Options for TMJ

There are several different treatment options that are available to help minimize the pain and issues surrounding TMJ. If you suffer from TMJ, you will want to seek out TMJ treatment in North Carolina, for example, as soon as possible to help your symptoms. Treatment options include:

• Ultrasound. Ultrasound technology can use a deep heat on the jaw joint that can help you to experience relief from your pain.

• Acupuncture. Acupuncture has been shown to relieve the pain from TMJ.

• Over the counter pain medications. Anti-inflammatory pain medication may help to reduce the inflammation and pain caused by TMJ.

• Diet changes. Some people with severe TMJ may need to switch their diets. Eating hard foods or chewy foods can trigger TMJ symptoms. People can eat soft foods that do not require a lot of chewing to help to minimize the symptoms of TMJ.

• Muscle relaxants. If the TMJ is causing frequent pain in the muscles, a muscle relaxant may be used.

• Physical therapy. Physical therapy can help to stretch the jaw muscles out, which may eliminate the TMJ issues.

• Braces. Oral braces can be used to minimize the issues with TMJ.

• Surgery. There are several different surgical methods that may be used for TMJ sufferers. This is especially true if there is an issue with the joint itself.

• Injections. A corticosteroid or Botox injection may be used to help people that suffer from TMJ.

If you or someone you love suffers from an issue with a TMJ disorder, a dentist appointment should be made as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to determine whether or not TMJ is your issue and if it is how best to treat your condition. Your dentist can work closely to ensure that you get the best treatment possible and relief from your symptoms. If you delay in getting your dentist appointment, you run the risk of your symptoms becoming much worse.