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TMJ/TMD/Under Armour
Under Armour

TMJ/TMD
 

Temporomandibular Joint (TM) is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw.
 

Possible Causes:
 

  • Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck such as from a heavy blow or whiplash

  • Grinding or clenching the teeth

  • Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket

  • Presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ

  • Stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth
     

Possible Symptoms:
 

  • Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak or open your mouth wide

  • Limited ability to open the mouth very wide

  • Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position

  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain)

  • A tired feeling in the face

  • Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly

  • Swelling on the side of the face

  • Toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches and hearing problems.
     

Treatment:
 

  • Apply moist heat or cold packs as well as perform stretching exercises.

  • Eat soft foods

  • Take medications like aspirin and ibuprofen to reduce muscle pain and swelling

  • Wear a splint or night guard

  • Undergo corrective dental treatments

  • Avoid extreme jaw movements

  • Do not rest your chin on your hand

  • Keep your teeth slightly apart

 

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