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What is TMJ? TMJ stands for temporal mandibular joint dysfunction. TMJ occurs when the joint is worn down, becomes abnormal in shape or dislocated or has been affected by arthritis. The muscles of the jaw become tender and stiff and opening and closing the mouth are somewhat difficult. The face swells and if you open your mouth very wide the jaw pops and may feel like it is stuck open for a second or two. Pain and stiffness may be more so in the morning.
The symptoms of TMJ are pain in the jaw and ears, stiffness of the jaw, swelling of the jaw and face, and headaches. People with TMJ usually have problems with the teeth where they don't line up top and bottom. They may also have grinding of the teeth, an overbite, had been chewing gum very frequently, braces in the past and/or rheumatoid arthritis.
The doctor may take x-rays of the jaw, blood test can show rheumatiod arthritis. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medicines, heat applications and muscle relaxants. Try not to bite down or chew your mouth or lips. Keep the teeth apart and try to be aware of keeping the jaw, mouth and face in a relaxed position. If teeth problems are part of the problem the dentist and orthodontist can help there. You may have to wear a special bite plate in your mouth at night. Surgery is reserved for those rare and serious cases where the pain in unbearable or joints are so damaged and noninvasive measures were unsuccessful.
Prevention is minimal but still relevent. Stress seems to play a part in the development of TMJ. don't eat anything chewy, no gum, no taffy, no chewy candy like gummy bears, star bursts, avoid anything chewy. Work on methods to decrease stress.
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