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Posts Tagged ‘TMJ treatment’

How to Treat TMJ Disorder

Friday, July 29th, 2016

3534882_blogTMJ is the shortened name for a disorder of the temporomandibular joints of the mouth. The temporomandibular joints are situated on either side of a person’s head and connect the jawbone to the skull. Temporomandibular disorder develops when either or both of these joints stop functioning properly. TMJ disorder can be quite debilitating as these joints are necessary for eating, talking and smiling.

TMJ disorder affects over 35 million people around the world and while the exact cause of TMJ disorder is unknown, there is a list of contributing factors including infections, autoimmune diseases, jaw injuries and arthritis. A number of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors can also increase the risk of developing TMJ disorder. Studies have shown that a genetic variant, which increases pain sensitivity, has been found to be more prevalent amongst TMJ patients and stress is also believed to be a cause of the condition.

Symptoms of TMJ include persistent ear pain, a stiff jaw, unexplained soreness in the jaw, a popping or clicking sound when the jaw is moved and consistent headaches. This is only a selection of common symptoms and if you have these and other symptoms and suspect you may have TMJ disorder, try eating only soft foods for a day or two and using an ice pack to alleviate pain. You should also avoid chewing gum and opening your mouth too wide. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter remedies. If symptoms persist or worsen and you are from Leeds, contact City Dental today.

As TMJ disorder is still being studied, scientists and healthcare professionals prefer to treat the disorder as gently as possible, with conservative treatments that do not cause permanent changes in the jaw or the position of the jaw. Most TMJ patients manage their pain by making changes in their diets (increasing their intake of soft foods) and through the use of paracetamol or aspirin.

Terrible TMJ Problems Giving You Trouble? We Can Help!

Monday, June 8th, 2015

3534882_blogTMJ disorder can make life very painful, but thankfully, we can help! If you get regular headaches or migraines, suffer with jaw pain or hear clicking or popping noises when you open your mouth, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Call us and make an appointment today!

About TMJ disorder

The TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. This joint is one of the most heavily used in the human body and you can feel it working if you just place your finger by the side of your ear lobes and then open your mouth. The TMJ connects the skull to the lower jaw and it comes into action when you cough, sneeze, talk, yawn and eat.

TMJ disorder is a group of symptoms associated with the TMJ. Examples of these symptoms include:

  • clicking and popping noises in the jaw
  • stiffness and a reduced range of movement in the jaw
  • headaches and migraines
  • neck and shoulder pain
  • jaw pain

What causes TMJ disorder?

There are various possible causes of TMJ disorder, including:

  • stress and anxiety
  • dental injury and trauma
  • tooth grinding
  • arthritis

How we can help

Many cases of TMJ disorder do not require formal treatment. However, if you have symptoms that are getting worse, or you suffer from them on a regular basis, it is a good idea to see your dentist or doctor. Possible treatment options for TMJ disorder include stress management therapy, using a bite guard to prevent bruxism (tooth grinding) and treating underlying injuries and health conditions. Bruxism is a major cause of TMJ disorder, as it increases tension and strain in the muscles around the joint. By creating a custom-fit bite guard, we can reduce tension in the muscles and help to prevent pain.

If you have concerns about TMJ disorder, now is the time to act. Call today to book an appointment.

Looking out for your TMJ in Central Leeds

Wednesday, January 15th, 2014

3520145_blogYou may not even realise just how delicate your mouth is and may take it for granted that it will be there for you, whatever you chuck at it- that is until you get a wake up call when something goes wrong. The most delicate of spots in the mouth are the temporomandibular joints (TMJ); this is the point where the lower jaw meets the upper jaw and they are quite tiny and they rely on the muscles around them in order to operate freely. They can cope with you nattering away and eating your heart out each day in central Leeds, but what they don’t need is to be exposed to other extra-curricular dangers. If you love physical sports, you need to ensure you protect your mouth as well as you can; teeth grinding can also wreck these joints. If you find your jaws clicking or aching all of the time, you must act fast because you are thin ice now; you don’t want to start having surgery, because that is what it will take to repair badly damaged jaw-joints- ironically the term TMJ is what is used for the condition of damaged joints. Worse still, injury here can also impact through all areas of your head, down through the neck and into your upper back- and then you truly are in serious trouble. No-one is saying that you should stop having fun in life, but just be aware of the delicate nature of your mouth and jaws and protect them the best you can.

 

 

TMJ! Your Jaws in Central Leeds

Friday, May 18th, 2012

The temporomandibular joint or TMJ is probably one of the most important yet overworked joint in the body. It is the joint surrounded by tissue and muscle that joins the upper cranium to the lower jaw- you have two, one each side of your mouth. Every day in central Leeds, these joints are working every day, whether it’s by you chewing or talking or clenching, they are on the go all of the time. All dental work is linked to the protection of the TMJ because most treatments that you have, from the placement of a crown to orthodontic work, are designed to ensure the occlusion or ‘bite’ in the mouth remains true, so preventing extra stress being placed on the TMJ. However, one of the greatest enemies of the TMJ is teeth grinding; this can do untold damage to the joints and more throughout the head and neck. Some of the most obvious symptoms that imply the jaw is damaged in some way is problems with chewing, the locking of the jaw, ‘clicking’ whenever the jaw is in motion, facial, ear, head and neck pain and problems in the upper back. Depending how bad the problem is, the jaw will require surgery in order to solve the problem, but any signs of teeth grinding should also be addressed as soon as is possible to stop any further damage. Arthritis is also a problem for the TMJ and you will also be putting yourself at risk if you indulge in contact sports. You have to remember that these are two very tiny joints that you expect to do an awful lot of work, which is why they should be treated with respect.