Do you frequently wake up with a headache or experience pain when you open and close your mouth? Have you noticed that your jaw clicks or pops when you move your mouth? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, you may be suffering from TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder is a group of symptoms that affect the TM (this is the joint that joins your lower jaw to your skull). The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is an important joint that enables you to move your jaw up and down and from side to side.
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?
The main symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- pain in and around the joint
- stiffness and inflammation
- restricted range of movement
- clicking and popping noises when you move your mouth
- neck and shoulder pain
- headaches
What causes TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorder can be caused by lots of different factors, including injuries and accidents, orthodontic issues, bruxism (tooth grinding) and underlying health conditions that affect the joint, such as arthritis. When you see your dentist with signs of TMJ disorder, they will try to establish the cause so that they can find a suitable treatment option.
In many cases, symptoms of TMJ disorder die down without the need for treatment. However treatment options are available for persistent or recurrent symptoms. Your dentist may be able to help by treating issues with misalignment or bruxism. Bruxism can often be prevented by using a bite guard, which is a dental appliance that sits in the mouth to prevent contact between the upper and lower arches of teeth.
If you would like advice about dealing with TMJ disorder or you have unexplained symptoms that are troubling you, call us now! We can help to ease your aches and pains and ensure you start every morning feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
Tags: Leeds Dentist TMJ, TMJ disorder, TMJ disorder Central Leeds, TMJ treatment Central Leeds
