November 29, 2015

TMJ (also known as temporomandibular joint syndrome) can be caused by a variety of things that may even be out of your control. The joint in the jaw combines sliding motions with a hinge action to ensure that the jaw opens and closes smoothly. If the disk tasked with keeping the movement smooth and easy becomes eroded or moves at all, if arthritis damage the cartilage, or the jaw’s joint is damaged by some type of impact, there may be pain and discomfort in the jaw, and TMJ symptoms may appear.

TMJ is often treated with a combination of medications, at-home remedies, and even surgery or therapy when the condition is severe. Here at Dr. Duffy’s office, we want to educate our patients about some unknown facts about TMJ during awareness month.

  1. Causes of TMJ

TMJ can be caused by many things, but some common causes are:

  • Misaligned jaw or teeth
  • Arthritis
  • Stress
  • Injury
  • Poor posture
  • Gum chewing
  • Teeth grinding

While some of these causes can be avoided, others are often out of your control, and treatment for TMJ may be necessary from a dentist in Orlando, FL.

  1. Prognosis for TMJ

If you deal with pain and discomfort in the jaw that ranges from debilitating to a simple nuisance, it can often be frustrating over a period of time. Fortunately, TMJ may resolve on its own as stress levels are decreased, and prognosis is typically good. Many cases can be managed with home remedies and better habits.

  1. Treatment for TMJ

Treatment may originally involve over the counter medication, improved habits and home remedies that are proven to be effective in treating the disorder. If less conservative treatments are unsuccessful and pain persists, surgery or therapy may be necessary to treat TMJ.

Let Us Help

We are here to answer any questions you have about TMJ, or to create a treatment plan that works for your lifestyle. Call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Duffy at 407-930-1570.

Comments

comments

Related Articles

  • 5 Signs You Need to See Your Dentist

    Most people only think about going to the dentist when they see their six-month check-up on the calendar. However, you may not want to wait until your next appointment if you experience concerning symptoms related to your gums and teeth. As Dr. Kaz Zymantas, a Naperville, IL dentist from Premier Dental often tells patients, dental […]

  • What Are the Different Types of Tooth Pain?

    Have you ever over-exercised and strained yourself a bit? You might feel some dull aches in your hamstrings or biceps. However, if you actually tear a muscle, the discomfort will be more intense and indicative of something that requires a physician. In the same way, tooth pain is not a one-size-fits-all term. Naperville, IL dentist […]

  • Improve Your Mouth, Improve Yourself

    Dr. Kaz Zymantas and our team at Premier Dental want to help people all over the Naperville, IL area improve themselves during national “Self Improvement Month!” And one of the best ways to give your self-esteem and entire body a boost is through a regular dental visit! Dentistry can help improve the look and function […]

  • How to Handle Dental Emergencies

    Most people know how to respond to a bodily injury like a soft tissue cut or broken bone. But do you know how to handle a dental emergency? Depending on the situation, you can reduce the risk of damage or tooth loss if you take action. Learn from Dr. Kaz Zymantas, our dentist, on how […]

  • What Are Space Maintainers?

    Baby teeth are important for many reasons. They provide your children with the ability to chew and speak properly, which is essential for healthy bodies and self-esteem. They also hold the space for permanent teeth, so that when they erupt, there is room for them to grow in. When baby teeth are lost prematurely, it […]

  • Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth

    Your teeth are more important than you might realize. A beautiful, healthy smile not only helps you look younger, it helps you feel better. With healthy teeth, you can eat an unrestricted diet and get the nutrients you need. Your teeth also stimulate your jaw bone, staving off osteoporosis. Dr. Kaz Zyantas stresses the importance […]

  • Quiz: All About Wisdom Teeth

    How much do you know about wisdom teeth? Even though everyone has them, there is a surprising amount of misinformation, especially surrounding their maintenance and extraction. As a dentist who removes wisdom teeth, in Naperville, IL, Dr. Kaz Zymantas frequently dispels myths about these “third molars”. Take our quiz to find out if you are […]

  • Children’s Root Canals

    Even baby teeth can become infected. When the core of your child’s tooth is diseased or injured, the entire tooth does not need to be extracted. Dr. Carolyn B. Cromwell recommends pulpotomy for her Avon, OH, patients. A pulpotomy is a treatment, like a root canal, which saves the tooth but removes the infection and […]

  • The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

    You may have always heard that orthodontic appointments don’t need to start until your child is old enough for braces. But did you know that early orthodontic visits (and treatments) can make the entire process smoother and more effective? It has to do with the growth and development of children’s jaws and baby teeth. Catching […]

  • The Risks of Living With Gum Disease

     Gum disease is an oral health issue that plagues around half of the adult population of the United States. Even if you are meticulous about your home oral hygiene, you are still at risk for developing gum disease. While Dr. Ann Mineo Kania and the staff at the office of Ann Mineo Kania, DDS, DMSc […]

Dental Consulting By Progressive Dental