How Do You Know If You Have TMJ/TMD
When it comes to oral health we often think about our teeth, gums and even tongue. During a trip to the dentist, most of us wouldn’t think to ask about our jaw as part of the checkup. Your jaw health is an important part of your overall well-being because when things go wrong, it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, especially from symptoms like your jaw locking up. A common problem many people encounter with their jaw is TMJ disorder or TMD. So, how do you know if you have TMJ Disorder?
What is TMD?
The temporomandibular joints or TMJ are the places where your lower jaw meets your skull. They act as the hinge where you move your mouth, and play an important role in things like talking, chewing and swallowing. When your TMJ isn’t working properly or gets misaligned, not only are vital activities like talking and eating difficult, but it can be incredibly painful. Temporomandibular disorder or TMD is an ailment that affects these joints and causes pain in the jaw, ear or head, and can result in your jaw locking up or misaligning teeth, causing the jaw to lock up or close at strange angles. TMD is a common affliction, affecting around 12% of adults in the U.S.
What Are the Causes of TMD?
It’s difficult to pinpoint the cause of TMD pain. Often it occurs if the disk that separates the cartilage in the joint gets worn down or becomes misaligned. If the cartilage in the joint or the joint itself is damaged due to arthritis or impact, TMD can develop. Many patients notice the onset of pain without any inciting incident, so it’s difficult to shine a light on the exact cause, which can be genetic or even psychological. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to know what the TMD signs and symptoms are to indicate whether or not you’re experiencing it or not.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of TMD?
There are a number of symptoms associated with TMD that differentiate it from other aches and pains in the head. Jaw stiffness or the jaw locking up limiting movement is a telltale sign of TMD, along with pain from chewing. Aching from TMD can radiate into the head and ears, and can be accompanied by painful clicking in the jaw. If you notice a misalignment of your teeth or that something is off with how your teeth fit together when your mouth is closed, you may be experiencing TMD. It’s important to note that jaw clicking without pain is normal and likely doesn’t require medical attention.
How to Relieve TMJ Pain From TMD
You may be asking yourself, “How long does TMJ pain last?” Though it may be frustrating, one of the most tried and true cures to TMD is time. There is no solid answer for how long the pain will be there, but most symptoms eventually fade without any treatment. Taking medication to mitigate pain while working to reduce activities that cause jaw clenching can help you cope with TMD until it goes away on its own. Non-invasive treatments like physical therapy can help without taking serious or permanent measures, though dental surgery can help TMD in certain cases. Invasive procedures are almost always considered a last resort. If you find that you are experiencing consistent pain around your jaw, face and ears, it’s important to contact your dentist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment! If you’re looking for a dentist in Richmond, VA, schedule your visit with Brightwork Family Dentistry today!
