Have you ever woken up with a stiff or painful jaw or heard a popping sound when you open or close your mouth? If so, you may have an issue with your TMJ. Problems with your jaw can be painful and hurt your oral and overall health.
So, how can you identify TMJ Disorder Symptoms, and what can you do to treat them? Keep reading to learn more.
What Is TMJ?
Your TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, connects your skull to your lower jaw. This joint is located in front of your ears on both sides of your head. Your TMJ is responsible for opening and closing your mouth, speaking, and eating. So, when it isn’t working correctly, you can understand how problematic that can be.
TMD, or temporomandibular disorders, is a group of jaw-related conditions that affect your TMJ.
TMJ Disorder Symptoms
Depending on the severity of your TMJ disorder, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Neck and face pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Jaw stiffness
- Jaw locking
- Misaligned jaw
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Worn teeth
- Ringing in your ears
Treatments for TMJ Disorders
Although millions of Americans suffer from issues with their TMJ, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Treating your TMJ disorder symptoms may involve home treatments, medications, or therapy. Here are some examples for each type of treatment:
Home Treatments
A combination of the following home treatments may help reduce your symptoms:
- Ice packs to reduce swelling
- Soft foods
- Stress reduction techniques
- Jaw exercises
Medications
If home therapies don’t help with your TMJ disorder symptoms, your doctor may recommend different types of medications, such as:
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs
- Muscle relaxers
- Corticosteroids
- Antidepressants
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy has also been successful for symptom relief if none of the abovementioned treatments are helpful. This type of treatment may include:
- Heat therapy
- Cooling therapy
- Acupuncture
- Resistance exercises
- Stretching
Do You Have TMJ Disorder Symptoms in Northport, NY?
We are here to help you manage TMJ symptoms and maintain optimal oral health. If you're considering a consultation to discuss your TMJ issues, we're ready to take your call. At Northport Family Dental, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care, including oral surgery in Northport if needed. Contact our dental office at (631) 754-1107 for more information about TMJ therapy and how we can assist you.