Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a group of conditions that result in pain and the loss of function of the jaw joint. The jaw joint ( temporomandibular joint or TMJ) is located in the front of the ear on both sides of your head. This joint connects your lower jawbone and your skull. The two bones are separated by a cartilage disk, which works as a shock absorber, and a joint lubricant. The TMJ, along with your chewing muscles, enables you to chew, speak, and open your mouth. Thus, it is essential to seek treatment when you experience problems with your TMJ.

To understand more about this condition, know the important facts below. Read on!

Teeth grinding is not the only cause of TMJ disorders

Whether you’re awake or asleep, the habit of grinding your teeth can cause a number of craniofacial problems, including TMJ disorders; however, this is not the only cause. TMJ disorders can also result from trauma to your jaw (such as jaw dislocation), arthritis, and an improper bite.

Stress is a factor behind TMJ disorders

Of course, most people know that stress is very unhealthy for the body. Aside from causing problems for your immune system, it has been found out that stress has a role to play in TMJ disorders. Stress can aggravate TMJ dysfunction when you clench your jaw or grind your teeth. Undergoing relaxation training and stress management can help you combat stress, which in turn alleviates TMJ disorders.

It is recommended to seek out reversible treatments

TMJ dysfunction is usually capable of disappearing on its own. However, undergoing a more extensive treatment may be necessary when it doesn’t go away. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) recommends the avoidance of doing permanent changes to your bite or jaw through surgical means unless your doctor has prescribed this serious treatment. In order to treat TMJ, you can look into reversible treatments, such as the ones we offer here at Riverheart Family Dentistry.

Don’t let TMJ disorders decrease your quality of life by availing of TMJ & TMD Treatment in O'Fallon, MO. Schedule an appointment with us at Riverheart Family Dentistry for a patient-centered approach of providing you treatment. We are located at 8618 Mexico Rd., O'Fallon, MO 63366.