0 comments
25th Aug 11
admin>Temporomandibular joint disease is the condition where the joint that connects the skull and jaw becomes swollen. When one is suffering from this, it is difficult for him or her to move the jaw and open or close his or her mouth. It is also often painful for them to do such. Patients may also experience headaches, nausea and may have an infection inside of the mouth.
A variety of treatments are available to patients. Granting that it is caught early, the swelling can be corrected with jaw exercises or the use of a nighttime biofeedback headband. If the condition has progressed however, a long term treatment or an operation is needed. As you can see, being able to diagnose the condition early is very important so one needs to know the various TMJ symptoms.
TMJ symptoms vary and some may be experienced by the patient while some are not. The indications vary from patient to patient since the condition can be caused by many things. One of its causes can be a dental problem. Having unaligned teeth may cause your jaw to contract abnormally, causing more pressure to the jaw when it is opened and closed. People who lack an overbite are also prone to the condition.
The joint may also be swollen by using the jaw excessively. Excessive gum chewing and opening of the mouth are examples of jaw overuse. It can also be caused by bruxism, which is the unconscious clenching of teeth during sleep. Injuries to the jaw may also cause the joint to swell.
TMJ symptoms include: difficulty in biting or chewing, clicking or popping noises when opening or closing the mouth, earaches and headaches in the morning, hearing loss, migraines, pain in the jaw and reduced ability to open or close the mouth. If you are suffering from this, you may also suffer Tinnitus. Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ear but an external source is absent.
If you are experiencing any of this, it’s best to see a doctor soon. If you think your teeth have something to do with it, you can also visit a dentist. As mentioned, being able to have this condition diagnosed early is very important as it can spell the difference between a short-term treatment and a long-term one.
>Temporomandibular joint syndrome can be easy to treat if caught early. If not, one has to undergo long term treatment or operation. To avoid this, one needs to know the symptoms of TMJ and contact a doctor or a dentist if he believes he is suffering from the condition.
>- Kevin Bates
