TMJ is the common name for a collection of complaints called Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders. These are a collection of complaints that affect the jaw and the surrounding muscles, limiting jaw movement and causing pain. TMJ is often poorly understood which can often lead to misdiagnosis and continued pain and discomfort. TMJ is often attributed as symptom of a wider condition and ignored as a condition in its own right.

It is thought that as many as one in ten people suffer from some form of the condition but few ever receive the necessary treatment. The main symptoms of TMJ are characterised by pain but there can be a number of other tell tale signs. Limited movement of the jaw, ringing in the ears, dizziness and muscle stiffness can all also be signs of TMJ. Often TMJ is only mild and will heal on its own without treatment over a few weeks. However, if the pain does not go away it may be necessary to go to your Kingston-upon-Thames dentist to have the problem treated.

At present there is no standard test for the diagnosis of TMJ. Your dentist will need to conduct a series of tests and examine your medical history to see if you are likely to be a sufferer. There are several major causes of TMJ but the most likely include injuries to the jaw, genetic predisposition and clenching or grinding of the teeth. Treatment of the condition often involves avoiding food difficult to chew and anything that could involve a large jaw movement. Keeping the levels of discomfort to a minimum will help to reduce the impact of the condition and allow for a more speedy recovery.

TMJ is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint and other muscles located in and around the jaw. It is a painful condition that can make everyday activities such as talking and chewing an agonizing experience. The pain associated with TMJ can range from mild to very severe and can be either intermittent or constant.

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.

Teeth grinding (also called bruxism) can be treated successfully at the Shepperton Dental Clinic. Teeth grinding occurs while you are sleeping and you may be unaware that you are grinding your teeth unless someone else tells you. There are many reasons for grinding your teeth including; nerves, malposed teeth, and discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws. Children also grind their teeth because they bite edge to edge and are not hitting with an overlap. When the adult teeth erupt, this usually improves. Your Shepperton dentist will recommend the appropriate treatment for your child and you, if you are grinding your teeth.

Teeth grinding isn’t usually a big problem, but can cause jaw, mouth, neck, and facial pain. Poor fillings, removable full or partial dentures, and/or missing teeth, can throw off the bite and lead to teeth grinding. The dentist will check your .mouth for wear patterns, and take impressions to have stone models made of your mouth, so that the teeth’s wear patterns can be observed. A bite equilibration may be performed, or the dentist may have the dental laboratory make a hard or a soft type of mouth guard to help keep you from damaging your teeth anymore. These appliances work to help diagnose the teeth grinding problem, and to help solve the problems. If you are grinding your teeth, your dentist will be able to detect the wear patterns on the appliance. You could possibly be referred to a specialist depending on what type of treatment is required to resolve your teeth grinding. Many types of appliances and treatments exist for teeth grinding, and these will be reviewed at your Shepperton Dental Clinic. The problem could also be a very easy fix, such as adjusting the bite on one or two teeth. Visit your Shepperton dentist and get some advice if this problem occurs!