What is TMJ?

TMJ is the Temporomandibular joint which connects your jaw bone to your skull. There are two identical joints on each side of your head, located in front of the ears. TMJ refers to the actual name of the joint but it is also used to denote any disorders linked with this region of the face.

TMJ disorders are a result of issues with the joint itself, and the surrounding facial muscles. Pinpointing the exact cause of an individual’s TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. In a lot of cases people with jaw pain tend to grind or clench their teeth but many people that develop that habit never develop TMJ disorders. TMJ mainly happens due to stress on structures around the joint. The structures include cartilage disk at the joint, muscles of the jaw, face and neck, ligaments and blood vessels that are nearby the teeth. TMJ can also be associated with problems such as arthritis.

The age old idiom prevention is better than cure is true in most instances. When it comes to TMJ problems there are some at-home remedies and steps that you can use and practice to help prevent the condition from manifesting:

•    Avoid eating hard-to-chew foods
•    Avoid chewing gum
•    Learn relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension and stress
•    Watch your posture, especially if you have a desk job. Make sure you change position often to relieve stressed muscles 
•    Use safety measures to lessen the risk of dislocations and fractures

In a lot of cases the pain of TMJ can be relieved with nonsurgical treatments and self-managed care. Although, severe TMJ disorders often require surgery.

The signs and symptoms of TMJ include:

•    Tenderness or pain in the jaw
•    Aches and pains in and around your ear
•    Discomfort or difficulty when chewing
•    Facial pain
•    Locking of temporomandibular joint, making it challenging to open and close the mouth
•    Clicking or grating of the jaw

If you are experiencing symptoms of jaw locking and have persistent pain you should seek medical attention and schedule a consult with your dentist.
*Sources: Mayo Clinic and Pub Med Health