TMJ Information For Patients With This Condition

Jaw disorders can be extremely painful, and patients will want to take actions when they start to develop these problems. TMJ is a fairly common disorder that many people will experience. Despite being common, people that have recently developed this condition may not understand it well enough to effectively treat it.

How Can You Know If You Are Suffering From TMJ?

Patients that have developed TMJ will typically experience extreme soreness and stiffness in their jaws. This can inhibit their ability to open their mouths to speak or chew. While the majority of these symptoms may be localized in the jaw, it can also be possible for patients to experience intense headaches, soreness in their necks, and a popping sound when they attempt to open their mouths.

Is Professional Treatment Always Needed For TMJ?

When individuals are suffering from mild TMJ, it may dissipate on its own after several days. However, severe instances of this condition will need professional treatment to address. Often, this is done through the use of anti-inflammatory medications and mouth guards or splints to adjust the positioning of the jaw. When patients suffer from chronic TMJ, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying problem.

What Can You Do To Alleviate Your Symptoms Until You Can Be Treated?

For many individuals, arranging for a trip to the dentist can be difficult. Whether this is due to needing to request off from work or simply saving the money to see these professionals, it may take days before you are able to see treatment. During this time, there are some steps that may reduce the amount of discomfort that you are experiencing from your TMJ. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help to reduce the pain that is caused by swelling. Additionally, an ice pack can also be helpful for numbing the jaw and limiting the swelling that may occur.

Are There Issues That May Put You At A Greater Risk Of Developing Severe TMJ?

Unfortunately, the potential causes for TMJ can vary widely. For example, some individuals may simply be more prone to developing this problem as a result of their family history and bone structure while others may develop this condition due to clinching their jaws on a regular basis. If you are looking to reduce your risk of developing TMJ, you will want to avoid the amount of stress and strain that your jaw experiences. This will mean avoiding chewing gum, grinding your teeth, or clenching your jaws. These habits can be difficult to break, but they can put tremendous strain on your jaw joints.

For more information on receiving TMJ treatment, contact a clinic such as The Alpher Center.