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If you are experiencing any headaches or sleep disorders, you may be suffering from TMJ disorder, a painful condition that is often mistaken for those recurring headaches. In addition, if you grind your teeth, you might develop a serious problem with your jaw. Left untreated, this can adversely affect your teeth, gums, and bone structures of your mouth. What is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder Between five and ten percent of Americans suffer from TMJ symptoms that require some form of treatment. The temporomandibular joints are the points at which the lower jaw attaches to the skull, and are among the most complex joints in the human anatomy. If your jaw clicks or pops, this could be a sign of TMJ disorder. Joint sound is one of the most recognized signs of TMJ disorders. TMJ symptoms include: * Clicking and/or difficulty when opening and closing your mouth
* Frequent headaches
* Neck and/or shoulder pain
* Sensitive teeth when no dental problems can be found
* Jaw pain or stiff jaw when chewing, biting, eating or yawning
* Earaches without an infection The pain and discomfort that is often caused by temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) may be severe, either intermittent or constant, and may last for several years. TMD symptoms may recur during stressful times, whether good or bad, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. TMD involves conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint, jaw muscles and nerves on one or both sides of the head that may result in jaw, face, and head and neck pain.
TMJ Disorder Causes According to the Academy of General Dentistry, though trauma to the jaw or jaw joint sometimes plays a role in TMD, in most instances the cause is unknown. The most common factor contributing to TMD is a bite problem that affects the joint itself. Interferences in the structure of individual teeth may force the lower jaw to become displaced. This leads to the repositioning of the muscles out of their sockets to force the upper and lower teeth to fit together. Wear and tear on the teeth caused by aging, teeth grinding, clenching, or activities that are outside of normal functioning may cause uneven surfaces on the teeth, leading to interference in bite and improper jaw closure. The presence of scar tissue may also interfere with your bite, causing TMD. If you are noticing any pain, pay attention to where it is located, keep your teeth apart by placing your tongue between your teeth, stretch your jaw by gently opening and closing, and call your Kenmore dentist to ensure that there is no serious problem if your pain continues for several days. Your dentist will be able to help relieve your aches and pains from TMJ.
Sean Hartmen writes for premier Kenmore general dentist, Dr. Robert LaCarrubba at Kenmore Quality Care. Specializing in services such as Kenmore sedation, veneers, implants and six month braces, Dr. LaCarrubba is committed to excellence in dental health care for his patients.
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