TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, is a condition that affects the jaw joint. It can cause persistent pain and a range of other symptoms. In some cases, it can even be debilitating! What exactly causes TMJ disorder, and what might help you find relief? This blog post explains.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) places a lot of stress on the jaw joint, which can cause it to become painful and inflamed. Many people grind their teeth at night, so they are unaware that they are doing it. However, a sore jaw in the morning can be a big indicator that this problem exists.
Stress
Stress it not simply a mental affliction. It can have big consequences for your body. It may increase muscle tension in your face, which can stress your jaw joint and exacerbate or even cause TMD. Stress may also worsen teeth grinding and clenching.
Injury
An injury to the jaw or facial muscles can adversely affect your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), possibly causing a disc to slip out of place. Injury to your neck muscles, such as whiplash, could also play a role in the development of TMD.
Dental Misalignment
If your upper and lower teeth and jaws are not well aligned, your TMJ may have to work harder to help you chew and speak. Over a period of time, this can stress the joint and lead to symptoms of TMJ disorder.
Arthritis
Arthritis can damage the cartilage in the TMJ, causing the joint to become weaker and contributing to inflammation. As you might imagine, this may lead to pain and other TMD symptoms.
Finding Relief
Home remedies, such as a soft diet and heat/cold therapy, may provide temporary relief from TMD symptoms. However, addressing the root cause of the disorder is the only way to achieve lasting results.
A qualified dentist or oral surgeon can examine your jaw, learn about your symptoms, and design a treatment regimen for you. Something as simple as a custom splint or BOTOX injections may be able to provide significant pain relief. In other cases, surgery is necessary to address anatomical abnormalities in the jaw.
TMD can be the result of numerous factors. Fortunately, treatments are available that can address the cause of TMD and help your jaw get ack to functioning as it should.
Meet the Practice
At Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our doctors have an in-depth understanding of how the TMJ works and how TMJ disorder can be treated. We offer both non-surgical and surgical treatments to help patients find lasting relief from jaw pain. To learn how we may be able to serve you, contact our Katy/Cypress office at 832-353-1100.