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.

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