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TMJ- TemporoMandibular Joint

We have two TMJ’s, one in front of each ear that connects to the lower jawbone. TMJ, or the jaw joint, allows up and down, side to side and forward and back movement. These movements enable us to bite, chew and swallow food. TMJ’s also allow us to speak and make facial expressions.

What is TMJ?

TMJ diseases and disorders, called TMJ can be characterized as pain in the jaw and neighbouring tissues, as well as restrictions in jaw mobility.

Conditions affecting other joints in the body such as Arthritis also affect the TMJ.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) assert that over 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ complications. The majority of those seeking TMJ treatment are women.

A thorough evaluation including the patient’s medical history, description of symptoms and a physical examination of the neck, head, face and jaw are required for proper TMJ diagnosis.

Those who find coping with stress challenging are prone to suffer from TMJ. People who tend to allow inner tensions to escalate are also prone to experience TMJ pain, resulting in “uptight” jaw muscles. TMJ worsens when people clench and grind their teeth. Those that only clench their teeth at night wake up with severe pain in their jaw, resulting in difficult jaw mobility.

Increased stress levels result in such poor habits such as teeth clenching and extreme gum chewing. Such poor habits lead to muscular fatigue and eventually, pain.

While some TMJ problems improve without treatment by using home therapy such as soft food diets, other cases require more intensive TMJ treatment.

Friday, May 17, 2013