The Issues Around Your TMJ

Posted on 4/10/2023 by Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is a very important joint in your body. This jaw joint is responsible for you being able to talk, chew, sing, and even laugh. While the TMJ joint is amazing, if it stops working properly, it can be painfully debilitating. Here are some common problems that you can have happen to you if you have issues with your jaw joint.

The TMJ Joint

The jaw joint looks much like a hinge. The TMJ connects your lower jaw to your skull. The joint allows the bones in your jaw to slide back and forth against each other. It is this sliding motion that allows you to do all of the motions you need to do to open and close your mouth.

Problems With Your Jaw Joint

While the jaw joint is amazing, there can be problems with the joint. First, if you grind or clench your teeth, your muscles around the joint can become inflamed. This inflammation can cause your jaw joint to freeze, or lock in place, which means you may have problems opening or closing your jaw.

You may also have problems with your TMJ if you have severe malocclusions, or bite issues, with your jaw. If the teeth in your jaw don't line up properly, your jaw joint is not working properly, and it can lead to inflammation in your jaw joint.

Solving Jaw Joint Issues

If you are experiencing jaw joint pain, there are some things you can do to help your jaw pain. First, if you grind your teeth or you clench your teeth, there are night guards available to help protect your teeth and solve your jaw issues. A dentist can make a night guard for you. Also, anti-inflammatory medication may help with your jaw pain, and they are available over the counter. If your jaw pain becomes too intense, you need to see a dental practitioner about your TMJ pain.

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Dental Blog | Livermore & Tracy CA | Michael Beckley DDS
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Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center, 1133 E Stanley Blvd #215, Livermore, CA 94550 + 925-290-7727 + pacificofs.com + 12/4/2024 + Tags: oral surgeon Livermore +