It was commonly believed that TMJ was a stress related condition but recent reserach has lead many clinicians to believe there are multiple causes for TMJ. One of the most common causes however, is a problem affecting bite. Bite is the way the upper and lower teeth sit together and can be interrupted by alterations to teeth structure, possibly from a lost or broken tooth. When the bite is altered it can force a displacement of the lower jaw forcing the muscles to overcompensate for the change.

In other cases TMJ can be the result of a head trauma involving a sudden jolt or blow to the head or face. This can cause damage to the muscles which will slowly manifest itself as TMJ. Other common causes for TMJ include sub-conscious teeth grinding called bruxism, teeth clenching or uneven surfaces on the teeth.

The most common symptom of TMJ is, unfortunately, pain. This pain can be very unpleasant and can affect all areas of the head and face and can even travel into the neck and shoulders. Sufferers often experience clicking, popping or locking during jaw movement. It is also common for areas of the face to swell making any kind or jaw movement very difficult.

A dentist will diagnose TMJ by conducting a simple clench test. If the patient experiences pain when the jaw is firmly shut it could be an indicator of TMJ. More extensive testing includes making dental moulds and mounting the impressions on a machine called an articulator to mimic jaw movement and discover the problem. Some relief form TMJ can be had from over-the-counter medication, but only a long-term cure will bring an end to the pain completely. Long-term solutions can include physiotherapy, dental treatment or having a dental appliance fitted to prevent any bite alteration or grinding. If you are suffering with pain in any part of your face or jaw, make an appointment with a Molesey dentist to have a test done for TMJ and you could bring an end to your suffering.

As may be expected, different patients will require different levels of care. Among other things, you may be able to have your teeth whitened by using chemical solutions. Your dentist may also recommend certain washes or other procedure that you can do at home in order to maintain perfectly white teeth.

In some cases, your dentist may recommend installing veneers. As you may be aware, this is a sliver of resin that is applied to the front of your teeth. These are ideal to use if your teeth are chipped as well as discoloured. They will help ensure that each tooth matches the adjacent ones in colour. This is also an ideal time to have your teeth reshaped so that they match your facial features.

Even though teeth whitening is not required for good oral health, it can certainly make a difference in how you feel about yourself. In particular, if you often work with the public, or want to apply for a management position at work, you may feel self conscious if your teeth look yellow and dirty. Fortunately, with so many different teeth Whitening technologies available, there is no need to walk around looking like you do not practice good oral hygiene. You may even be surprised to find that visiting your dentist will provide you with a makeover that helps you look better than you ever have in your entire life.