What You Need to Know About Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

A Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD, for short) is a condition that causes pain in the jaw joint, aka the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), and affects the muscles that facilitate jaw movement. 

These disorders can cause headaches, popping sounds or shooting pain on the side of your face or the jaw, as well as toothaches. Left untreated, TMJ disorders can make simple actions like talking, chewing, and laughing become painful. 

In this article, we’re going to discuss what causes TMJ disorders, what their symptoms are, and how our dentists at Sheffield Square Dental Care can help alleviate your pain.

What Causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorders?

According to the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), over 10 million Americans are affected by TMJ disorders. In addition, TMJ disorders are more prevalent in women than men. 

Although there are no known direct causes for TMJ disorders, researchers believe they can occur due to jaw or joint trauma as well as because of a few other dental health conditions. 

Some of these conditions include:

• Erosion of the jaw bone
• Damage to the cartilage caused by arthritis
• Regular clenching and grinding of the teeth
• Structural problems of the jaw

What Are the Symptoms of TMJD?

Here are a few symptoms that can help you determine if you have a TMJ disorder:

• Pain in the temporomandibular joint
• Pain or difficulty while chewing
• Aching pain in and around your ear
• Tenderness and pain in your jaw
• Difficulty opening the mouth due to locking joints

How Can Your Dentist Treat a TMJ Disorder?

Since TMJD can be caused by alignment problems of the teeth or jaw, your dentist can identify the symptoms and recommend orthodontic treatments such as braces to restore proper alignment. 

In case the condition occurs due to teeth clenching and grinding, the dentist can create a custom dental appliance for you to wear. This appliance is known as a splint or bite plate, and it prevents your upper teeth from grinding against your lower teeth.

Although temporomandibular joint disorders can cause a lot of pain, they can be treated with the help of dental appliances and medication when you seek professional help. 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, get in touch with Sheffield Square Dental by calling (773) 880-2310, or setting up an appointment online to get a complete assessment. You can also visit us at 2835 N Sheffield Ave #305, Chicago 60657.