Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ, for short) is a condition that binds your jawbone with the sides of the skull. It’s a chronic disorder, with symptoms such as difficulty chewing, jaw tenderness, and ear aches. Often accompanied by debilitating pain, it can interfere with speech or eating. Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms and how a dentistry practitioner can treat TMJ.

What Is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint’s primary purpose is to serve as a connecting joint between each side of your lower jaw (or mandible) and the skull (temporal bone, to be exact). There are many little muscles assisting the joint to help you open your mouth, chew, or talk. Because of its complex structure, TMJ can lead to a host of issues, limiting the mobility of your jaw and creating intense pain. There is no clear cause of TMJ syndrome. People who have injured their jaw in the past or grind their teeth while asleep are more likely to get it.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?

The first clear symptom of TMJ is a sharp pain in your jaw joint. The pain may spread to your ears, neck, or forehead, causing headaches that lead to nausea and vomiting. You might hear your jaw clicking when moving, or you won’t be able to open or close your mouth entirely. These symptoms may come and go, but if the pain persists for several days, seek help from a dentistry professional.

How to Treat TMJ

The first line of defense is to prevent the jaw from moving during sleep. A dentist will create a protective mouthguard to combat grinding while sleeping, which further exacerbates TMJ symptoms. If the surrounding jaw muscles are rigid, they may use BOTOX® to alleviate the stiffness in the muscles and reduce the pressure on your jaw. Finally, physical therapy focused on strengthening the jaw muscles will improve joint flexibility, reduce the constraint on your jaw, and lower pain levels.

If you’re seeking a dentistry professional to help you with your TMJ symptoms, turn to Legacy Dental Arts in Eagle River, AK. In business since 2007, they are determined to provide comprehensive dental care with state-of-the-art equipment in a soothing, spa-like environment. Call (907) 622-7874 today to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.