What You Need to Know About TMJ
November 30, 2015
November is TMJ Awareness Month. To warn everyone about the dangers of TMJ, Dr. Glenn L. Sperbeck recommends for you to see your dentist. TMJ is a condition that makes it extremely difficult for one to chew and move their jaw. The condition can become so severe that surgery may be required. To reduce the chances of that occurring, here is what you need to know about the condition.
Signs of TMJ
Your jaw bone joint uses a gliding motion to enable you to chew, open and move your mouth. When that joint becomes injured or damaged from an injury, the grinding or clenching of the teeth or regular use, it becomes difficult for it to function properly. When certain movements are attempted, the joint encounters resistance, making movement harder, painful and in severe cases impossible. Below are TMJ symptoms that you should look out for:
- Popping or clicking noise when opening and closing mouth
- Pain in the temple and neck area
- Facial aches
- Headaches
- Difficulty eating, chewing or moving jaw
Many cases of TMJ disorder can be improved with self-care and nonsurgical treatments. Severe cases may require surgery.
Treating TMJ
All is not lost if you suspect or discover you have TMJ. It is a condition that can be treated by your dentist. Treatment options include the use of medication, pain relievers, ice packs, and surgery. Although there may be times where you experience difficulty moving your jaw or opening and closing your mouth, if there is no pain associated with any of those movements, there is a good chance you do not have TMJ. To avoid an improper self-diagnosis, you should see your general dentist in Westchester, CA for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
To learn more about TMJ or to get treatment, contact Health Centered Dentistry at (213) 986-9180 for an appointment with Dr. Sperbeck.