You may have heard of TMJ and TMJ problems, but you may not know what this is or whether you may benefit from treatment. The good news is that our team at Perfect-A-Smile Dental Group can answer your questions and help you treat your condition if needed.
TMJ problems can develop for a variety of reasons. Injuries and accidents can affect the position of your jaw. You may have arthritis in one or both of your jaw joints. You may have a misalignment issue or some kind of infection that causes you to have problems opening and closing your mouth. Clenching and grinding your teeth is a common contributor to this condition as well.
Symptoms can vary from person to person. You may experience one or more symptoms depending on your particular situation. Frequent headaches and earaches can be a clue. Jaw and facial pain are likely. You may feel soreness when you eat, particularly foods that require a lot of chewing, or when you speak for a long time. You may also have jaw stiffness or feel like your jaw is stuck at times. You also may develop pain in your neck, upper back, or shoulders.
If you have a minor problem, you may be able to alleviate the problem with pain relievers, applying heat (to loosen the jaw) or cold (to reduce swelling), or by eating soft foods. For recurring problems or problems that persist in spite of your home care efforts, our doctors can work with you. In many cases, a special mouthguard can be created to prevent you from grinding your teeth together.
Don’t wait to get help if you suspect you might have a TMJ problem. Call 440-708-0900 or contact us online to plan a visit to our Chagrin Falls, OH office.
