TMJ

TMJ Disorders and You

TMJ disorders can result in extreme pain as well as tenderness in a joint, specifically the temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint is located on the sides of a person’s head slightly in front of their ear where the jawbone comes into contact with the skull. The temporomandibular joint is one of the most active joints in the body. It is the main joint involved with talking, yawning, as well as chewing. A surprisingly large number of Americans experience TMJ disorders, approximately ten percent of all people. This figure is an estimate from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

This institute has found that women develop TMJ disorders more easily than men do. Most cases of TMJ disorders do not require intense treatment, but some do. Rare and severe cases of the disorder sometimes need to be treated with dental or even surgical procedures. The best way to avoid getting surgery for a TMJ disorder is by watching out for early signs and symptoms. Some symptoms of TMJ disorders include tenderness of the jaw, pain around the area surrounding the ear, discomfort while eating food or chewing, pain in the face, difficulty of jaw movement, extreme headaches or pains, hurts to bite, or an uneven bite.

Some TMJ disorders can even be identified by listening for a clicking sound or grinding sensation when you chew your food. If you don’t have any difficulty chewing food, then you probably don’t have to worry about TMJ disorders. Sometimes it can be difficult to know whether or not you should see a doctor. As a general rule, if you have any long lasting pain in your jaw or mouth you should go to a doctor. It is probably a better idea to see a dentist instead of your normal doctor. Dentists know significantly more about this type of a disorder than regular doctors do.

The most common age group for TMJ disorders is among people between the ages of thirty and fifty. There are several other common things related to TMJ disorders. Some of these things include clenching of the jaw, excessive teeth grinding, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, jaw trauma, or congenital deformity of many of the facial bones. If you do have a TMJ disorder you don’t have much to worry about. Most TMJ disorders can be taken care of by changing your bad habits such as jaw clenching with the help of a dentist or doctor. The best way to avoid TMJ is by taking care of your teeth and jaw and attending a dentist regularly!