How Do I Know if I Have TMJ?
If you have an aching jaw, pain or tenderness in your jaw joints, or it hurts to chew, then you may have a Temporomandibular disorder, the most well-known of which is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). The temporomandibular joints are the hinges that connect your jaw to your skull and are situated right beneath the ears.
To know whether or not you have TMJ, there are a number of symptoms you should look for. These include:
- Jaw pain
- The jaw is tender to the touch
- Ear pain
- Pain while chewing
- ‘Achy’ facial pain
- Locking of the jaw joint — getting stuck in an open or closed position
- Headaches
For an official diagnosis, schedule an appointment at keith + associates today.
Does TMJ Go Away?
Oftentimes, the jaw, ear, or facial pain is temporary and resolves on its own. If this is the case, it may not be necessary to see a dentist. However, if the pain doesn’t go away or gets bad enough that over-the-counter medications or home remedies don’t give you enough relief, you should contact us.
What Causes TMJ?
Dentists are often unable to determine what caused a patient’s TMJ. There are several common causes of TMJ, though. TMJ can be caused when a disk between the bones becomes eroded or slips out of place. Trauma is another leading cause of TMJ. Teeth grinding at night makes you more likely to have TMJ, as do high-stress levels. Arthritis in the jaw joint can be another cause. Genetic factors may also contribute to TMJ.
Do Mouthguards Help With TMJ?
Mouthguards are one way of treating TMJ. Hard or soft mouthguards are worn while you sleep at night and are custom-fit to be comfortable. In addition to helping with TMJ, they protect your teeth from being worn down by grinding and help protect other dental work from cracking due to too much pressure.
What are the other treatments for TMJ?
To begin addressing TMJ pain, you have several options, including using over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen. Additionally, some patients find relief through muscle relaxants.
Here are other effective ways to alleviate TMJ pain:
- Be mindful of foods that strain the jaw muscles and try to avoid them.
- Apply heat and cold packs to the affected area.
- Consider acupuncture as a potential treatment.
- Incorporate meditation and relaxation techniques to ease tension.
- Seek relief through massages.
- Engage in physical therapy to strengthen and stabilize the jaw muscles.
Does Emface™ treatment help with TMJ?
Through expert relaxation techniques, EmFace™ aims to soothe inflammation in the jaw muscles, providing much-needed relief and potentially enhancing overall jaw comfort and functionality. TMJ pain can often become chronic and debilitating, stemming from factors like stress, teeth grinding, or jaw misalignment. EmFace™ treatment serves as a potential solution for those seeking relief from these discomforts. It goes beyond traditional approaches by incorporating facial mapping and specialized skincare products, further aiding in soothing and alleviating inflammation in the jaw muscles.
If you’re experiencing persistent TMJ pain, call our office at (913) 384-0044 or schedule an appointment today. We’re here to help, so don’t wait to get the treatment you need!
