By Prem M Narayan
Do you usually feel pain in your face and have difficulty in opening your mouth wide? Do you hear a clicking sound every time you open and close your jaw? Is there any difficulty in chewing or swelling on any side of the face? Yes? Then stop wondering what you have and book an appointment with your dentist. The symptoms mentioned above are of a medical condition that is known as temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ disorder. This complicated name refers to that part of the face where the upper jaw and the lower jaw meet. This joint is sometimes susceptible to disorders due to some habits of ours. Once you get this condition, normal things might get a little uncomfortable for you. However, the good news is that it is not irreversible. This condition can easily be treated.
The causes of this disorder are trivial in the literal sense. You will never think that simple habits like grinding your teeth or clenching the teeth due to stress can cause this disorder. Other causes are- dislocation of a disc between the socket and the ball and bone related disorder. Essentially, it is also a bone disorder. The diagnosis of this disorder will require an investigation of not only your dental health but also of your history of diseases. Sometimes, this disorder can be misdiagnosed as a gum disease. It is an obvious diagnosis only when the dentist knows that the patient has rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. A thorough examination of the ear and mouth should be conducted before the diagnosis of this disorder. An X-ray is a must because only that can show the condition your jaws are in.
After the diagnosis, the dentist can refer you to a dental surgeon because such a condition requires surgery to put the jaw bones back in place. However, do remember that surgery is not the only option. In fact, it is the last resort. When all else fails, surgery is what one must turn to. What are the other ways in which you can treat temporomandibular disorder? You can apply cold packs or hot towels over the area that hurts so that the pain subsides. After this, try some jaw exercises which your dentist will recommend. Re-apply the hot towel or cold packs to reduce the pain and swelling. Regular jaw exercises will improve its flexibility and won't impede jaw movement. The dentist may also ask you not the eat hard foods or whole fruits. This is all to restrict jaw movement and to not put much pressure on the already sensitive area. If pain persists after exercising, you can try painkillers too. But, do remember not to use steroidal painkillers. The dentist will also recommend you to use a night guard or a splint. These mouthpieces are placed inside your mouth, between the upper and lower teeth, to prevent you from grinding your teeth. Many people involuntarily grind their teeth in their sleep, and this causes the TMJ disorder. Also, avoid keeping your phone between your ear and your shoulder. This only puts unnecessary pressure on your jaw. Moreover, do remember that stress is one of the causes of this disorder. So, you can learn some relaxation techniques too.
Visit your dentist as soon as you can relieve yourself of the pain.
To know more about a TMJ specialist in Los Angeles, click here. M Gorman Dental is one of the most renowned dental facility in LA.
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