Coping with TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is an uncomfortable problem that leaves patients in search of remedies to help them cope. It involves the hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull. The joint is located in front of each of your ears, and allows your jaw to smoothly move in all directions so that you can eat, speak, and yawn. When problems occur with the joint or its corresponding muscles, a number of symptoms can occur including jaw pain, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, and more.

The first course of action is to try to determine the root cause of your TMJ issues. Sometimes an accident or head trauma can trigger TMJ. Teeth grinding is a common cause of TMJ, and arthritis is another source of symptoms. Your dentist can help identify the issues behind your TMJ so that the most effective treatment can begin.

Since TMJ often leads to chronic symptoms, patients turn to a variety of methods for relief. Some of the techniques include non-medicinal approaches like acupuncture and meditation. Such methods don’t typically provide long-term benefits, but can help you better handle the chronic pain. Here are some other common ways that patients address TMJ:

• Pain medication – over-the-counter medicines or stronger prescription drugs are often the first place TMJ sufferers turn. It’s important to be aware of psychological or physical addictions to medications, as well as any associated health problems like damage to the liver, kidneys, or other organs.
• Splints – bite splints or appliances are used to realign your bite. After your dentist examines how your teeth come together, a custom appliance can be made to hold your jaw in a more correct position. It is not uncommon for a bite splint to provide immediate relief to TMJ sufferers. At first, you may need to wear the appliance all the time, but after a while only night wear may be needed.
• Surgery – severe cases of TMJ may warrant surgery. Most dentists and patients want to exhaust all other treatment methods before undertaking invasive surgery.

TMJ dentist in Toronto

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