Pain associated with TMJ is something that many people can’t even describe. In order to create a visualization, if you have ever tried to open or close a door that doesn’t fit quite correctly in the frame, it can be a bit of a challenge. With a little bit of tugging and pulling, you can finally open or shut the door with either a loud noise or forceful shoves. That is the same case with jaws that experience TMJ pain. In order to find out a few more facts that we should know about TMJ pain, let’s take a look at the following article and discuss three things that afflicts those with TMJ.
What is the TMJ?
First of all it is important that we understand that TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint. This specific joint is crucial, and it is formed by the skull and jaw bone connecting with each other. This joint shines the most when chewing as it acts as a sliding hinge. It is also responsible for opening and closing your mouth smoothly up and down and side to side. If you’ve ever talked, chewed, or yawned, you have used your temporomandibular joint.
What is the TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint and it’s bones are separated by a disc of cartilage that keeps your jaw movement smooth. If your muscles become irritated, the disc then becomes displaced. This can even happen if you have arthritis or other kinds of joint diseases. The most common signs of TMJ discomfort is popping, muscle tenderness, clicking, joint tenderness, or not being able to open your jaw as wide as possible. Typically, there are three types of pain that you may experience known as myofascial pain, internal derangement of the joint or dislocated disc pain, or degenerative joint disease pain.
How Can I Manage TMJ Pain?
Managing TMJ pain varies between patients, and is one of the hardest questions to answer. There are a few things that you can do to treat or reverse TMJ related pain such as eating softer foods, avoiding extreme jaw movements, applying ice packs, and learning techniques to relax and reduce stress. There are other treatments on the market that has been found to be of great help to those suffering with TMJ pain
If you would like to know what these other TMJ treatment options are, please do not hesitate to give us a call or email at Wheatland Dental. Our office in Saskatoon, SK, is open to hearing your questions and addressing any concerns you may have when it comes to TMJ or any other kind of dentistry question. Contact us today to set up your very first consultation appointment!
