Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can cause excruciating pain in the face and jaw. TMJ is a hinge-like joint that connects the lower and upper jawbones, and when it isn’t working properly, it causes a disorder.
The TMJ is a complex joint consisting of a series of muscles, discs, ligaments, and bones to move the jaw backward, forward, and side to side. TMJ disorder can cause excruciating pain. Therefore, it is essential to know symptoms to look out for and TMJ treatment in Bayside, NY.
What Are The Symptoms Of TMJ?
TMJ disorder symptoms include painful or tender jaw joint, neck or shoulder pain, swollen face, and ear pain. You may also experience pain when chewing, toothaches, headaches, and dizziness. Other TMJ disorder symptoms include difficulty hearing, ringing in the ears, locked jaw, and clicking sounds when opening and closing your mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should visit a dentist for TMJ treatment near you.
Causes Of TMJ
Although it is easy to recognize TMJ disorder symptoms, finding the exact cause of TMJ is much more difficult. Nevertheless, a dentist can diagnose the exact cause of your TMJ pain. Common causes of TMJ disorder include arthritis in joint cartilage, jaw disc erosion, chronic teeth grinding, and poor posture. Other causes of TMJ disorder include jaw injuries like a heavy blow or whiplash, stress or anxiety, orthodontic braces, and excessive chewing of gum.
What Are The Treatment Options For TMJ?
There are several treatment options for TMJ pain, including home remedies and medical treatments. If your pain persists after applying at-home TMJ treatment in Bayside, you should see your doctor for further treatment.
At-home Treatment
Home care for TMJ disorder can provide relief. Some of the things you can do at home include;
- Eating soft foods. Also, avoid foods that require you to take wide bites like thick sandwiches.
- Use an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen.
- Practicing good posture.
- Avoiding extreme jaw movements like chewing gum, placing your hand under your chin when yawning, and avoiding yelling or singing that cause you to open your jaw wide.
- Positioning your jaw such that your teeth are slightly apart as often as possible.
- Placing your tongue between your teeth if you have problems with teeth grinding or clenching.
- Massaging your neck and jaw muscles.
- Stress management techniques can help you relax and loosen your jaw.
- Placing moist heat or cold packs on the side of your face and jaw for 10 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Medical Treatment
It would be best if you visited a dentist for TMJ treatment in Bayside, NY, if you experience persistent jaw pain and tenderness. Some medical treatment methods include;
- Medications – Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxers.
- Mouthguards or oral splints for keeping your jaw in place.
- Physical therapy includes stretches and massages to strengthen and stretch your jaw.
- Dentists prescribe surgery when other options of TMJ treatment near you fail. The surgical procedures vary from non-invasive to traditional surgery. Furthermore, the procedures may include open joint surgery, injections at the joint, or TMJ arthroscopy. Arthrocentesis and modified condylotomy are also some TMJ treatments near you.
Conclusion
You may be experiencing TMJ disorder when you have an aching pain in your ear, jaw, face, or temple. Following at-home treatment can help ease your symptoms. You can also find relief by visiting your dentist for counsel and TMJ treatment in Bayside.
If you have questions about understanding TMJ disorder, its symptoms, and treatment, you can schedule an appointment at Dental Expressions by Dr. Gary Bram.
