TMJ (pain and cracking of the jaw)
Causes:
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a jaw or chewing muscles problems. Studies indicated the following as being the main causes of this syndrome.
- Bruxism (grinding of the teeth);
- Injury to the jaws following an accident or a trauma;
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis at the TMJ level;
- Stress.
Symptoms:
The symptoms vary from discomfort to extreme pain that can last many years and are more frequent for women aged between 20 and 40.- Pain to the face, head, in the area of the joint, neck, shoulders, or ears while chewing;
- Limited occlusion;
- Lock jaw;
- Cracking jaw;
- Inflammation of the face TMJ area;
- Hearing problems.
Treatments:
- Repeat the following procedure three times a day:
- Apply a cold ice pack on the TMJ area for 5min.
- Follow by gently opening and closing the mouth for 3 min.
- Conclude by applying a hot compress for 5min.
- Eat soft foods that will avoid stress on the TMJ area (i.e. yogurt, purée, cottage cheese, soup, fish, cooked fruits, and cooked vegetables;
- Avoid hard food or those that require opening the mouth very wide;
- Taking anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Your dentist can prescribe effective medication in cases that are more severe;
- For cases of bruxism (grinding of teeth) we recommend you wear a bite splint, which will prevent the upper teeth from touching the lower teeth;
- Correct malocclusion of teeth, with orthodontic treatments, to lessen the daily trauma on the joint;
- Replace missing teeth with bridges, implants, or partials;
- Avoiding exaggerated yawning or constant gum chewing;
- Reducing stress;
- Surgery to be considered only when all the other treatments have failed.
For an appointment please call: CDS (514) 333-3360 or E-mail us.
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