TMJ (temporomandibular joint disease) is a very common condition. The temporomandibular joints, which connect the jaw to the skull, are affected by many disorders. Many people with TMJ, however, go undiagnosed. Here are four indications of TMJ that you should be on the lookout for.
Pain in the Jaw
Jaw pain is not often the first TMJ symptom, but it’s usually the most noticeable. TMJ-related jaw pain usually comes in three forms: muscle, joint and nerve. A dull aching is caused by strained, painful muscles. Jaw joint discomfort is a throbbing, acute pain in one or both joints. Initially, this pain may be intermittent, but over time, it may become chronic.
Wear and Tear on the Teeth
TMJ can be characterized by a misaligned bite. When evenly distributed, our teeth are robust enough to resist the strain of biting and chewing. You may, however, bite down with uneven force, causing damage to parts of your teeth, if you have TMJ disorder. As teeth wear over time, this can result in an unbalanced facial appearance due to the wear being uneven.
The Sounds of Your Jaws
The jaw should move discreetly and smoothly when it’s healthy. TMJ, on the other hand, might cause your jaw joints to make a lot of noise. The cushioning disc in the joint may be to blame if this occurs frequently. You may hear it characterized as a “pop” or a “click.” The sound may vary as the condition worsens. If you hear a lengthy, grinding noise you should immediately contact your holistic dentist in Miami.
Motion of the Jaw
Many people notice a sudden jerky motion of the jaw in relation to the popping or clicking sound. Others begin to notice that their jaw movement is restricted. They can’t open their mouths as wide as they once could, or at least not without excruciating discomfort. It’s possible that this has something to do with the jaw joint or the jaw muscles.
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