Your temporomandibular joints are hugely important to your daily life. Surprisingly, many people suffer from TMJ disorder without realizing why they’re dealing with these issues. In this short article our Elmhurst dentists are going to be reviewing how TMJ issues present. We hope that this information will help you spot and seek prompt treatment for TMJ disorder.
As you may already know, your temporomandibular joints are located on the left and right sides of your skull. These joints connect your lower jaw to your skull, and allow for a healthy range of movement.
When one or both of your temporomandibular joints become damaged, you may notice a range of unwelcome symptoms, including:
· Popping or clicking noises at the site of the temporomandibular joint when you chew or speak
· A locking sensation when you try to open your mouth all of the way
· Pain and tenderness around the TMJ, again, especially when it is in use
· Headaches, neck, ear, and face pain
When you start to notice these symptoms in your daily life, it is a good idea to reach out to your dental team for support. There are many ways to address TMJ dysfunction including:
· Custom fit mouth guards that help to ease your upper and bottom jaws into healthy resting positions while you sleep
· Perfecting your dental alignment and bite surfaces that this dysfunction does not put unnecessary pressure on your jaw joints
· Stress-reduction techniques to ease jaw clenching—this can be a cause of TMJ dysfunction
Over time TMJ can go from distracting to downright damaging. Early intervention is key to getting your oral health back on track, and, hopefully, avoiding dental damage in the future.
You can always call our Elmhurst dentist to get more information, or use the Contact Us page on our website to get started.