How to Treat Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Problems
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to the skull. It combines hinge and sliding movements and is cushioned by a shock-absorbing disk. TMJ problems can make it painful or difficult to open and close your mouth. They can also cause ringing in the ears, dizziness, or changes in how your upper and lower teeth fit together. TMD is more common in women and people who were assigned female at birth than in men or those who were assigned male at birth. It’s also more common in teens, especially girls.
Scientists don’t know what causes TMD, but they do know that a lot of things can contribute to it. They include a change in the way your teeth fit together, stress, a hard or chewy diet, poor posture, and accidents that affect your head and neck. People with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases may have a higher risk of developing TMD.
TMJ: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Your doctor can tell if you have TMD by doing a physical exam of your face, jaws, and teeth. They may take X-rays or use other tests, such as an MRI or a CT scan, to get a better look at your TMJ and your jaw muscles. They can also insert a tube with a camera, called an arthroscope, into the TMJ to see what’s going on inside. Your doctor can also try to relieve your symptoms by recommending simple steps, such as eating soft foods and stopping teeth grinding or other habits that put extra strain on your jaws. They can also prescribe medicine or give you exercises to help relax your jaw muscles. If your pain and TMD don’t improve, they can recommend more aggressive treatment.
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