Do You Have TMJ? 6 Symptoms Not to Ignore

Just over 10% of Americans experience temporomandibular joint dysfunction difficulties, which is not surprising given that your temporomandibular joints, or TMJ for short, are some of your skeletal system's most complex parts. TMJ issues can have major health repercussions if left untreated, despite the fact that women are nine times more often than males to experience similar issues. 

You use your face every day without giving them much thought, whether you're smiling, laughing, chatting, or chewing. However, if you suffer from temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), even those basic movements could be excruciatingly painful for you. 

Although the majority of TMJ disorder symptoms go away in a few weeks to months, some painful problems can be made worse by bad habits or particular behaviors that put undue strain on the jaw and neck muscles. 

TMJ Symptoms

The symptoms and signs of TMJ are typically short-lived for most people, but for some, pain and discomfort while exercising their facial muscles are chronic (long-lasting) and can become worse over time by clenching, chewing, swallowing, or grinding their teeth. 

The joint capsule that connects the skull and jawbone might deteriorate as a result of TMJ. Some patients experience years of suffering, and it can be difficult to diagnose. TMJ, however, responds favorably to therapy once it is properly identified. These six signs are ones you should never overlook. 

1. Clicking or pop 

Although not everyone has TMJ in the same way, jaw clicking on one side is a relatively typical symptom. Even though you might not need treatment if this is your only symptom, it's crucial to inform your dentist immediately soon.

2. Jaw pain with movement

The jaw muscles attempt to adjust when the teeth are not properly aligned. Chewing frequently causes jaw or ear pain. Additionally, for some people, speaking or yawning causes pain.

3. Locking Jaw

TMJ might manifest as a jaw locking. You could have trouble expanding your mouth wide or closing it again. Your jaw will probably click into place with a loud pop when you finally get it to move.

4. Tired Face Muscles

Your face's muscles could exert a lot of effort to make up for TMJ. Inform your dentist if one side of your face feels drained or sagging. Some people experience discomfort all the time, while others only do so after using their jaw, you can also experience TMJ blurry vision.

5. Difficulty Chewing

Many TMJ sufferers find it difficult to chew because their jaws are out of alignment. Your muscles will try to make up for the misalignment, but if it is severe, this may not be possible. You can experience extreme difficulties with foods that are crunchy or chewy and feel as though your teeth aren't closing properly. Make sure your top and bottom teeth come together evenly and without strain by checking your bite in the mirror. 

6. Swollen Face

The swelling on one side of the face in some TMJ patients is quite uncommon but most likely results from harm and inflammation to the joint capsule. The swelling may be slight or severe, emerge solely after using the jaw, or last even when the person is at rest. 

Sometimes TMJ dysfunction symptoms may go away on their own without medical intervention. If your symptoms don't go away, your doctor might suggest a number of treatments, frequently more than one to be carried out concurrently.

Medications 

These pharmacological choices, in addition to other nonsurgical remedies, might aid in reducing the discomfort brought on by TMJ disorders: 

Anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers

Your doctor or dentist may recommend stronger painkillers, such as ibuprofen with prescription strength, for a brief period of time if over-the-counter painkillers are ineffective in treating your TMJ symptoms. 

Antidepressants that are tricyclic

These drugs, like amitriptyline, are mostly used to treat depression, but they are also occasionally used in low doses to treat pain, bruxism, and insomnia. 

Relaxation drugs for the muscles

For a few days or weeks, these medications are occasionally used to treat discomfort brought on by TMJ issues brought on by muscle spasms. 

Treatments for TMJ issues that don't involve drugs include:

Mouthguards or oral braces (occlusal appliances)

It is common for persons with jaw pain to experience relief by wearing a hard or soft device that is put over their teeth, but it is unclear why this is the case. 

Physical exercise

Treatments may also involve ultrasound, moist heat, and ice in addition to jaw-muscle stretching and strengthening exercises. 

Counseling. You can avoid the situations and actions that may make your pain worse by understanding them with the aid of education and counseling. Examples include biting your fingernails, clenching or grinding your teeth, and leaning on your chin. 

TMJ can cause a wide range of vague symptoms, making diagnosis difficult. These might include but are not limited to, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and dizziness. Keep track of any strange symptoms you encounter so you can talk to our dentist about them at your next appointment. We offer TMJ dental treatment Suffolk, book an appointment to speak with us TMJ treatment center Suffolk. Our dentist in Suffolk VA will go over our treatment options if you are experiencing TMJ pain.