TMJ: A Beginner’s Guide to What Causes It and the Importance of Treatment
August 25, 2016
Your TMJ is the joint that allows you to talk, yawn and eat with ease. When an issue develops with it, it is referred to as a TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder. It is beneficial to learn a little something about it so that you know when to see our dentist for TMJ treatment in Westchester, CA.
What Causes TMD?
There are many ways that the joint can become damaged. One way is if the individual experienced significant physical trauma to the face. Sometimes the cartilage in the jaw wears out due to arthritis. It can also erode over time due to repeated misuse. A common explanation for why the TMJ has become damaged is that the person constantly grinds or clenches his or her teeth. Since teeth grinding is a common behavior for the chronically stressed, relieving stress can sometimes help with the symptoms.
Why Is Treatment Necessary?
The symptoms associated with TMJ include:
- Pain in the jaw, teeth, neck, ears and shoulders
- Clicking sounds whenever jaw is moved
- Problems chewing
- Inability to open mouth wide to yawn
- Consistent migraines
- Dizziness
- Frequent muscle spasms in jaw
The primary reason why you need to get professional treatment is that it is the only way to ensure these symptoms are kept at bay. A number of treatments are available to help your jaw feel comfortable once again. Sometimes all it takes is to alter a few lifestyle factors to get relief. Giving up chewing gum and lowering your stress can do a lot of good for your joints. You can be shown relaxation exercises to perform. If that does not work, then more invasive procedures are available to give you relief.
Call Our Office
Anyone requiring immediate need of TMJ treatment in Westchester, CA should contact the office of Dr. Glenn L. Sperbeck right away. Before you know it, you will be talking and chewing in total comfort.