TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joints, which are located on both of your faces. They are just in front of your ears, which connect your lower jawbone to the skull. Hence, they assist infrequent movements like chewing and talking. We need to understand here what TMJ disorder is, as people often get confused about TMJ and TMD.
What is TMD?
TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. This acronym specifically refers to the dysfunction of the joints. This dysfunction occurs when the ligaments and muscles around the jaw points get irritated and inflamed. This condition varies in different people, it sometimes can be chronic or acute. The pain might also vary, it can be serious or mild. You can be informed a lot about the seriousness of the issue at TMJ treatment center Carlstadt.
It is seen in children when TMJ faces overexertion and eventually results in TMD. The reasons for exertion can be stress or anxiety at a higher level. Trauma to the jaw, grinding, and clenching of teeth can also be some of the reasons. It's a very common problem that can sometimes be cured by home remedies.
If the case is serious, the Carlstadt dentist suggests you keep a check on it and the patient must undergo surgery or dental treatment.
General patients of TMD
In most cases, children and adolescents tend to develop this disorder which is a result of stress or some kind of trauma to the jaw. When children are young in stage congenital jaw deformities can lead to TMD. There can be a lot of causes of this disorder. Below are some of them.
Causes –
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Muscle spasm
- Anxiety or stress
- Misalignment of the jaw
- Trauma to the joint or jaw
- Arthritis.
After understanding the reasons due to which TMD might happen, we need to keep track of the symptoms. Signs which determine that you might be having TMD must be known to you. Below are some signs and symptoms :
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Jaw pain
- Jaw fatigue
- Earaches or ringing in the ear
- Unexplained headaches
- Popping or clicking of the joint, along with pain
- Locking of the jaw
- Asymmetrical jaw opening
- Uneven vertical or lateral movements of the jaw
- Pain when touching the TMJ
- Swelling around the TMJ
- Jaw asymmetry or malocclusion
How to diagnose TMJ dysfunction
TMJ dysfunction can be diagnosed at the time of dental checkups. When your dentist will do the whole dental check-up some below-mentioned observants will tell them about TMD.
The range of motion while opening and closing of the mouth.
The areas of discomfort are due to pressure.
The feeling of pain around your jaw points while moving.
You must refer to any specialist for more information.
If the symptoms which you noticed are mild, anti-inflammatory medications or home care might help you. If you think that symptoms are severe and should not be ignored you must visit a specialist or you can consult before taking TMJ dental treatment Carlstadt.
Joint surgeries, physical therapies are suggested and for more information, book an appointment with the experts of Carlstadt today.
