TMJ may be an acronym you don’t remember, but there is not a chance you could forget the discomfort that it causes. Sensitive teeth, chronic headaches to name but a few; there is a long list of symptoms that plague those with undiagnosed TMJ. If you have been told you have TMJ (temporomandibular joints) and you’re not sure what it is or how to treat it, read on to find out the A-Z of undiagnosed TMJ and how it is affecting many Australians.
What is TMJ
Your TMJ (temporomandibular joints) are located on either side of your head and they are responsible for allowing you to open and close your mouth. These joints also control the lower joint which move the jaw forward, back and side to side. Clearly an integral joint, and one that is used constantly by any individual. TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is when by this movement and function is compromised, leaving the sufferer with reduced function and high levels of discomfort.
How is it treated?
Fortunately, TMD is treatable. Neuromuscular Dentistry has been known to treat sufferers of TMJ with specialist dentists in Bentleigh bringing relief to many. The treatment entails correcting the position of the jaw, by alignment and behaviour training. Once the jaw is back to its proper position, the symptoms are eliminated and chance of a recurrence are low. It is recommended to see a dentist as soon as signs present, to reduce the chance of further damage and erosion, as well as increased pain.
How is it caused
TMJ can be caused by one or a few factors related to jaw behaviour. The bone parts interacting with the joint are covered with a cartilage and separated only by a small disk which keeps movement smooth and shock-absorbing. TMJ can occur when the disk and joint cartilage is damaged by arthritis, by a forceful blow (think car accident etc), or from erosion caused by improper alignment. For some, there can be no determinable cause of TMJ, but through observation and treatment a qualified dentist can remedy the damage and movement behaviour.
Symptoms and long term damage
Understandably, those you find themselves with TMJ will experience quite a lot of pain and discomfort. Symptoms can affect a great number of areas, and put strain on sufferers trying to accomplish small everyday tasks. Chronic headaches and migraines, as well as neck, shoulder and back pain are familiar for those with undiagnosed TMJ. Sufferers can also experience loss of chewing efficiency, difficulty swallowing, sensitive teeth and several other discomforts. A ripple effect of these symptoms have left sufferers unable to be present at work, or able to work at all. Depending on how long TMJ goes undiagnosed, the sufferer can develop habits pertaining to swallowing and chewing that can be hard to reverse after years of
Your TMJ could be giving you pain from an existing health complication or as the result of an accident of blow. The symptoms are harrowing for the unfortunate sufferers, but treatment is widely successful and accessible. Seek treatment from a qualified dentist and start re-educating your jaw on correct movement.
