Posts Tagged “TMJ Pain”
TMJ Disorder and How to Deal With the Pain
TMJ stands for Temporal Mandibular Joint. It is a joint that connects the jaw bone to the rest of the skull, with the actual joint located just in front of the ear. It is also probably the most used joint in the body as we use it for eating, speaking, breathing and swallowing. As such, it may be used up to 2,000 times a day. Because of this huge amount of use problems can sometimes occur, what is known as TMJ Disorder or TMJ Pain. This pain is usually located just in front of the ear where the jaw and skull link, but the pain can also spread to the cheeks, jaw or the rest of the ear as well as causing headaches.
Symptoms
The symptoms are sometimes not picked up on by people as they don’t always seem to relate to the jaw or don’t cause pain. Among these are the clicking of the jaw, frequent headaches, light headedness, ringing in the ears, tooth wear from stress and grinding teeth and earache.
What can be done to help?
Many doctors would recommend softer foods in order to let your jaw bone rest. Your teeth, and consequently your jaw, come under immense pressure through the day because of the amount of use your jaw is put under. Eating softer foods could take a great deal of stress from your teeth, for example. Not moving the jaw too much when it isn’t in use can also be helpful, though this is difficult for those who may grind their teeth or enjoy a sing along to their favourite song even! It is also advised not to open your mouth too wide when you yawn.
Medication has also been found to be very helpful. Common pain killers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can help in the short term, although the above methods will help more in the long run. Consulting a dentist can sometimes help a great help too, as the alignment of the teeth and your bite can be major factors in causing TMJ pain.
Posted in: General dentistry
Tags: grinding teeth, stress, TMJ Pain, TMJ Treatment
| June 25, 2011 at 1:15 pm | No comment
Botox treatment for TMJ sufferers
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) is an incredibly painful problem that makes simple things like eating, talking and swallowing a challenge for the sufferer. Traditional treatments involve orthodontic work, tooth reshaping, bite-correcting appliances and, in severe cases, surgery. However, an alternative treatment is fast gaining popularity and that treatment is Botox – the very same facial filler you associate with the rich, famous and beautiful and most often hear about in glossy magazines.
The temporomandibular joint is the point on either side of your face at which your lower jaw is connected to your skull. TMJ occurs as a result of excessive grinding or jaw clenching that strains or displaces the joint and causes severe tension headaches, toothache, neck pain and sometimes even lockjaw. It can be extremely painful and frustrating for the sufferer who may find everyday activities such as eating simply too painful and so treatment is a must.
Botox to the rescue?
Botox is the latest treatment method being offered to TMJ sufferers and whilst the method is still very much in the experimental phase the results are speaking for themselves. Patients have claimed that they can feel the effects of the treatment within a few short days of the first treatment and within a week the improvement is remarkable.
Just as Botox freezes the faces of beauty-obsessed celebrities giving them the forever surprised look; it relieves the symptoms by freezing the muscles around the joint and in doing so disabling the ability of the jaw to engage in the grinding action that causes TMJ as well as relieving the tension that is causing the headaches and other associated aches and pains. Even better, whilst it stops the jaw from doing the clenching or grinding movement causing the problem, it does not affect the way the jaw moves for other activities such as talking and eating.
Even though Botox is new, it is proven to be a safe and effective alternative treatment option for TMJ. It is a straightforward procedure and with just a simple injection into the affected muscle the tension will quickly start to feel relieved. Prior to the treatment you will have to undergo a consultation just to make sure you are eligible for Botox – there is a risk of Botox negatively interacting with certain drugs and medications and any allergies you may have could make you ineligible for the treatment.
However, if you are eligible to undergo Botox treatment for TMJ – and the majority of patients are – then the procedure is quick, straightforward and effective and so it may be the perfect answer to relieving your pain and discomfort caused by TMJ.
Posted in: TMJ Pain, TMJ Treatment
Tags: Botox, Pain relief, TMJ Pain, TMJ symptoms, TMJ Treatment
| April 5, 2011 at 11:04 am | No comment
TMJ treatment at your London cosmetic dentists
TMJ stands for temporomandibular disorder, which is an illness that affects the temporomandibular joint. TMJ patients usually suffer from lower joint pain as the illness can affect the two jaw joints and many patients suffer from problems with their speech and eating. The temporomandibular joint is located on each side of the jaw and helps to carry out everyday movements such as eating and speaking.
What are the common symptoms of TMJ?
There are a few symptoms associated with TMJ which you could look out for if you suspect that you might have the disorder:
- The patient might experience pain when chewing or speaking
- An earache is a common symptom of TMJ and you may experience a ringing noise in the ear
- Some patients experience trouble digesting their food and swallowing
- You may feel nausea
- Patients have reported to feel faint
- There may be a clicking sound when the joint moves
If you do experience any of the above symptoms you can visit your dentist who will be able to further investigate and prescribe the relevant medication.
How is TMJ disorder treated?
TMJ disorder can be treated in a number of different ways depending on your individual case of TMJ. An advanced system called Tens can be used to relax the muscle and jaw system, the orthodontics can ensure the painful symptoms do not return and finally there may be the need for an adjustment of tooth shape to ensure a relaxed alignment of jaw and teeth.
Your London cosmetic dentists will be able to advise on the most suitable treatment according to your particular case.
Posted in: TMJ Pain
Tags: temporomandibular disorder, TMJ Pain, TMJ symptoms, TMJ Treatment
| February 2, 2011 at 10:06 am | No comment
Cosmetic Dentistry Is More Than Celebrity Makeovers
It is easy to get caught up in the negative publicity that some cosmetic medical procedures generate and tar the whole industry with it. Cosmetic treatments often have the same blanket generalisation applied to them as being unnecessary, or only for the incredibly vain, and this has extended at times in to the world of cosmetic dentistry through their increased exposure from extreme makeover reality TV programs.
Whatever your opinion of the people featured on those programs or the celebrities who (allegedly) spend more time under the knife than not, it is important not to forget the serious medical benefits that recent advances in the science have brought to thousands of people worldwide. There are many people who, through no fault of their own, develop a teeth or jaw alignment which is not only unattractive to look at, but actually affects their eating, breathing and general health. These issues go far beyond the mere aesthetics of the mouth and the changes provided by orthodontists have far reaching and life changing implications for the individual. Especially in the case of long term sufferers of TMJ pain.
It is also important that if you suffer with your teeth, perhaps from a misaligned bite or just the lack of confidence from a wonky smile, you shouldn’t be put off doing something about it just because of what you fear people might think about you. Your happiness and health should never be allowed to suffer due to the prejudices of others.
Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontists, TMJ Pain
Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontist, TMJ Pain
| April 16, 2010 at 10:11 am | No comment
Grinding Out The Recession
It has been widely reported in the press recently that dentists across the country have noticed a massive increase in the number of people with damage to their teeth brought about by teeth grinding. Naturally the blame for this has been aimed squarely at the recession, the cause of all evil in the world. It’s hardly surprising that people are grinding their teeth to the point where they’re causing permanent damage, with the never ending stream of economic strife being broadcast through all media outlets it seems as though we’ve got plenty to grind our teeth about.
Of course, teeth grinding is neither productive nor healthy, and this habit can actually end up causing some serious damage to your teeth. Some of the worst news is that teeth grinding, like all unbalanced overuse of the jaw muscle, can bring on the dreaded TMJ pain. This is a most painful an irritating condition to suffer from and it’s surely far worse than any recession. It can bring about intense pain in the mandibles. Thankfully there are plenty of kinds of TMJ treatment that a cosmetic dentistry expert could advise you on, and many of these treatments have been shown to effectively relieve TMJ pain.
Of course, you could always try to relax and perhaps knock the teeth grinding on the head. It’ll save you a lot of stress and sleepless nights, and perhaps you’ll manage to avoid the onset of TMJ pain, an experience that nobody should have to suffer!
Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry, TMJ Pain, TMJ Treatment
Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry, TMJ Pain, TMJ Treatment
| March 23, 2010 at 3:17 pm | No comment
Science Vs Magic
The concept of medicine itself was in the news this week as thousands of homeopathy sceptics gathered at various locations around the country to stage a mass “overdose” of homeopathic remedies. The intention of the exercise was to draw attention to the alleged ineffectiveness of homeopathic remedies sold over the counter at high street stores, with cynics claiming that due to the incredibly small quantities of active chemicals in these remedies, people are being sold little more than placebos. The issue stirs strong feelings in the cynic camp as they feel this is little more than profiteering from the hope/desperation of the sick.
There were plenty of homeopaths on hand to defend their position, countering that the prescription of homeopathic remedies has helped in thousands of cases where “modern medicine” has failed, and that contemporary science fashions should not get in the way of ancient remedial methods, however hard they are to rationally qualify. Whatever your view of the situation, it does throw light on the importance of being able to trust the diagnoses and treatment recommendations you are given as a patient, whether this be for illnesses with obvious or well known causes, or conditions that aren’t quite as well known such as TMJ pain.
TMJ pain is caused by a disorder of the temporomandibular joint and can manifest itself in a variety of different ways, including pain while chewing and swallowing, aching in the neck, shoulders and back, or even nausea headaches and dizziness. Due to the wide range of different symptoms that TMJ disorder can cause, it is important to have a cosmetic dentist that you can trust so that you follow through with any treatment they may suggest. TMJ treatment can be costly and invasive, and so this bond of trust between patient and clinician is incredibly important. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry has a much better success rate of proving the medical and emotional benefit of their procedures than homeopathy.
Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry, TMJ Pain, TMJ Treatment, cosmetic dentist
Tags: cosmetic dentist, Cosmetic Dentistry, TMJ Pain, TMJ Treatment
| February 12, 2010 at 10:57 am | No comment
A Pain In The Neck… And Head… And Back… And Jaw
TMJ Pain
Martial arts students or people who study self-defence will tell you that one of the most effective methods for rendering an assailant unconscious quickly is by applying enough force to the jaw to cause sudden pain in the joint connecting jaw to skull. This then renders whoever is on the receiving end unconscious, so clearly this is an important part of the anatomy; if the reaction to sudden severe pain in this area by the nervous system is to knock you out until it doesn’t hurt quite as bad anymore, then it’s clearly not an area to take risks with.
TMJ pain is caused by structural disorders in the same area, causing symptomatic appearances of pain due to the massive force that the human bite can bring to bear being misaligned and causing damage to one or both of these joints. This is bad news and the pain this causes can be found in the neck and shoulders too, and is not something one should live with. There are temporary pain relief measures, but nobody wants pain as a constant companion.
A cosmetic dentist can tell you about the various TMJ treatment options available, which vary depending on the cause and severity of the pain. Now, TMJ pain is not fatal, but constant uncomfortable pain in this area can have various knock-on effects to your mood, health and even your ability to complete necessary daily tasks, such as work, for example. In addition, relying heavily on painkillers to manage TMJ pain can be detrimental to your health. The best option is to consult your local dentist and have the problem fixed and the pain stopped.
Posted in: TMJ Pain, TMJ Treatment, cosmetic dentist
Tags: cosmetic dentist, TMJ Pain, TMJ Treatment
| January 25, 2010 at 3:11 pm | 2 comments
Check Your Bite
Misaligned or uneven teeth can cause bite problems in people of all ages. The misalignment of teeth is called malocclusion, and can be caused by myriad factors including habits, accidents or just the way they have grown. It can also be a side effect of other dental treatments earlier in the patient’s life, but thankfully all types of malocclusion are treatable.
Before After
A common complaint following restorative dental work on a crown or filling is that it is too high or thick. This can lead to pain not just in that particular tooth but also complaints from pain in facial muscles being asked to work in an unfamiliar manner. Continued malocclusion can even lead to more serious problems such as TMJ pain.
If you are concerned that you may have bite problems then you should speak to a dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible. If the problem is more an aesthetic one then it may be best to seek the advice of a dedicated cosmetic dentist to make sure you receive the most relevant and up to date information as possible. These people will be able to diagnose exactly what they think may be causing the discomfort or pain and advise the most appropriate course of treatment or therapy. Remember that not all the treatments that you have read about may be suitable for you personally, but if you attend your consultations with an open mind then you will be able to make an informed decision with your dentist on the best course of action to take.
Posted in: Bite Problems, cosmetic dentist
Tags: Bite Problems, cosmetic dentist, Malocclusion, Orthodontist, TMJ Pain
| January 8, 2010 at 11:22 am | 1 comment
Getting Your Teeth In To TMJ Pain
Few people understand just what a profound effect not having a correctly aligned jaw can have. If your bite is just slightly off then any time you chew or swallow there is a massive amount of pressure being exerted by your jaw on itself. A human being can actually bite hard enough to grind their own teeth to dust, but you are prevented from doing something that extreme by the nerves in your mouth. However it does indicate just how large the forces are that are involved, and just how problematical this force could be if misapplied.
It is these kinds of forces that cause TMJ pain, which is important as it can cause all kinds of knock-on health issues associated with your neck and cranium. Luckily, many of the issues that cause an incorrect bite can be resolved through modern dental care. Some of these are quicker than others and some are more expensive than others, but if you think you are suffering from TMJ pain the only way to receive a correct diganoses and avail yourself of your options is to speak to your dentist.
You dentist will be able to tell you just what kind of TMJ treatment is available, whether it be something relatively simple and cheap such as a tooth extraction or a more longer term solution that involves orthodontics. Perhaps you get frequent headaches or dull pain in your jaw and neck, but you struggle on regardless. Obviously TMJ pain is not life threatening, but ex-sufferers do often claim that its cure has transformed their lives and cannot believe they didn’t bother to get it fixed sooner.
Speak to your local dentist today to hear more about TMJ pain and the problems it may be causing you. They will be able to advise you fully on all the treatment paths available to you and the timescales involved, and hopefully set you on your way to better dental health.
Posted in: TMJ Pain, TMJ Treatment
Tags: Bite Problems, TMJ Pain, TMJ Treatment
| December 17, 2009 at 9:51 am | No comment
