January
There are many mouth conditions that Americans have become very familiar with, either through having them themselves, through a friend receiving the diagnosis, or through media coverage of the topic, but there still remain some conditions that are simply overlooked in general conversation. Many of those fall in the category of temporomandibular disorders, or TMD. These are problems with the jaw and surrounding facial muscles, which tie directly into mouth function.
What is the TMJ? Before one can understand the wide array of conditions that can fall within this category, he or she must first grasp what exactly the temporomandibular joint is. That is the hinge that attaches the lower jaw to the temporal bone (directly in front of the ear on either side of the head). As you move your mouth to chew, talk, or yawn, this joint is put to work. It allows for smooth movements, but when injured can wreak havoc on a person’s ability to function day to day.
How is it Injured? There are several ways that this joint can be harmed. The most common is direct injury to that area as a result of an athletic injury, car accident, or other similarly direct or indirect form of contact. However, it is not always injury that results in this issue. The DDS does not keep reminding you to watch your teeth grinding habits to hear him- or herself speak. In fact, it is not uncommon for some individuals to wake with a sore jaw as a result of overnight teeth grinding or clenching. These acts can result in over excessive amounts of pressure on the TMJ and cause lasting injury to it. Arthritis is another leading cause of problems in this area, which is why it is important to get regular dental care is diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. When the joint is injured, it is not uncommon for a person to have a dull ache in the area of the joint, in the neck, or even in the shoulders. The joint may click or even lock up during use because of its new inability to move as it was designed. Earaches, dizziness, swelling, or sudden hearing problems are all signs of forms of TMD.
Getting it Taken Care Of If you believe that you may be suffering from a type of TMD, then you should make an immediate appointment at your family dentistry office. Your dentist can better evaluate the injury and determine which course of action is best based on your individual circumstances. In severe cases, cosmetic dentistry to correct the jaw may be the decided upon treatment. In these cases, surgery will likely be required to correct dislocations, breaks, fractures or other complications that will not heal correctly on their own. This surgery will be performed by an oral surgeon trained in all matters of the mouth and jaw. In less severe cases, the injury may just require rest or change of jaw related habits (i.e. grinding or clenching of the teeth) with or without assisting tools.
About the Author: Bobby Milton has worked in the dental industry for over 20 years and writes and lectures on many different dental topics
