Written By Emma Sturgis / Reviewed By Ray Spotts
According to hypothesis reports by patients who have visited dental clinics, TMJ has been a significant condition. It is an illness that affects both men and women and young adolescents. Medical statistics report shows that 12 percent of the population admit patients with TMJ signs and symptoms annually.
TMJ, just like any other body organ, has a significant function in our facial structure. It heavily relies on how other TMJ associated structures correspond, particularly the mandibular condyles, meniscus, glenoid fossa, ligaments, and muscles.
TMJ functions well unless there is a disturbance caused by external influences that affect the joint. Such hindrances may be due to a greater force exerted either by mechanical, physiological, occupational, or habitual means.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ is the name of a joint - Temporomandibular Joint. However, it refers to several jaw malfunctions that tend to interfere with the joint. TMJ is supposedly the most commonly used joint in the human body. It opens and closes about 1,500 to 2,000 times. It's functional in that we use it during chewing, swallowing, breathing, talking, and yawning.
Causes of TMJ Pain
You may wake up one morning and experience an exacerbating pain in your jaw. The obvious thing that runs in your mind is TMJ sickness, which can be misleading. It's not easy to tell the exact causes of TMJ as other factors may cause the pain and headache you might be feeling. For instance, genetics, arthritis, or jaw accidents. However, common causes include:
- Injuring a damaged jaw
- Bruxism and connective tissue diseases
- Chronic tooth decay that may lead to an abscess
- Too much stress or a sinus infection may exert a lot of pressure on the jaw and teeth and eventually lead to TMJ pain.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ
If you are experiencing pain in your jaw and having tension about the whole situation, here are signs and symptoms you should watch out for as you conduct a self-examination:
- Pain in one or both temporomandibular joints
- Pain that causes the jaw to be fragile and inflexible
- Aches around your ear
- Joint lock that proves difficult to open or close your mouth.
How to Fix TMJ Disorder
A variety of options help solve joint conditions for good and keep pains and frustrations at bay. Some of the ways to treat TMD include:
- Dental Visits. The development of new aesthetic techniques has initiated dental trends. Many people trust a physician more than themselves. Dentists offer ideal treatment and exercises that focus on relaxing your muscles and areas associated with your jaw, including your neck and shoulders. Adult orthodontics aesthetics are commonly preferred treatment as they last for years.
- Maintain a good posture, especially if you spend hours glued to your computer. Bad posture can cause TMJ.
- Applying heat to your jaw muscles to increase blood flow and evenly circulate blood in your muscles.
- Use ice packs as a way of relieving pain and inflammation.
- Maintain a physically active lifestyle.
TMJ can become an intrusive part of your daily life. If you find yourself having jaw pain, headaches, or toothaches frequently, talk to your dentist about solutions.
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Written By:
Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, Mass. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2
Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.
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