MJ disorder is a condition affecting the temporomandibular joint or TMJ. You have two of these joints – one on each side of your jaw. These joints connect the lower jaw to the skull and allow it to move.
The symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Jaw discomfort/soreness
- Clicking/popping or locking of the jaw
- Headaches
- Earaches/ringing in ears
- Pain behind the eyes
- Dizziness
- Bruxism (clenching/grinding teeth)
- Limited mouth mobility
- Change in tooth alignment
- Numbness/tingling in fingers
- Tooth Sensitivity
Many of the symptoms of TMJ disorder mimic other dental and/or medical conditions.
Dr. David Frey at Perfect White Smiles in Beverly Hills can diagnose and treat your TMJ disorder to permanently cure it. In this article, we’ll discover more about the symptoms of TMJ disorder and how to permanently relieve TMJ pain with TMJ disorder treatment.
Common Causes of TMJ
Many times, when someone is in pain, they only want to get to the solution. However, the best way to cure TMJ disorder permanently is to understand the cause. Some of the most common causes of this condition include:
Inadequate Oral Hygiene
You only have one set of teeth that should last your entire life. While there are options to replace missing/damaged teeth, they are not the same as natural teeth. Inadequate oral hygiene habits are one of the root causes of overall health issues. In some cases, TMJ pain may be caused by poor oral hygiene.
Accidental Mouth Injuries
Trauma to your face/mouth can happen at any time, whether you are in a car crash, sports accident, someone hits you, or any other reason. One way to reduce your risk of developing TMJ disorder from a mouth injury is to wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
Aging Causes
As you age, your bones and joints experience wear and tear. In addition, your risk of developing degenerative bone and joint disorders increases. All of these can cause and/or contribute to TMJ disorder.
How To Cure TMJ Permanently?
Once you are diagnosed with TMJ disorder and the cause has been determined, treatment can begin. Many times, mild TMJ disorder will resolve on its own or with natural treatments including:
Applying Moist heat
Moist heat therapy is often recommended for joint pain. The TMJ is a joint just like other joints- the pain can be relieved with moist heat.
Using Ice Packs
Ice packs may also relieve joint pain. You can alternate heat with ice packs for maximum relief.
Sticking To soft foods
Foods that are difficult to chew put more stress on the jaw, which can cause TMJ pain to worsen. Soft foods that do not require a lot of chewing can give you the nutrition you need while avoiding putting stress on your jaw.
Jaw Exercises
Regular jaw exercise can be beneficial for your jaw movement and health even if you don’t have TMJ disorder.
Conclusion
TMJ disorder is a painful condition that affects the TMJ, or temporomandibular joints, which connect the lower jaw to the skull. This is a sliding joint so that you can move your jaw around. There are several causes of TMJ disorder, most of which cannot be avoided. However, it is possible to naturally cure TMJ disorder permanently.
FAQs On How To Cure TMJ Permanently
Dr. Frey and the team at Perfect White Smiles in Beverly Hills want to make sure that you understand your condition and the best ways to deal with it. We will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about how to cure TMJ permanently that we’ve gotten over the years.
Can TMJ be fixed naturally?
In many cases, the symptoms of TMJ disorder are temporary and will resolve on their own. However, there are a few things you can do to help:
- Use moist heat
- Apply icepacks
- Stick with soft foods
- OTC pain relievers
- Jaw exercises
- Relax facial muscles
If the pain is severe or does not resolve, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist.
What is the main cause of TMJ?
There is no singular cause for TMJ disorder. Often, it is due to a combination of factors including genetics, jaw injury, arthritis, and more.
What will happen if TMJ is not treated?
If left untreated, TMJ can cause:
- Chronic jaw pain and/or headaches/migraines
- Airway sleep disorders
- Joint inflammation and damage
- Oral and overall health issues
- Malnutrition
- Tinnitus
- Reduced quality of life
- Drug/alcohol abuse
Can TMJ cause hearing loss?
Approximately 1 in 10 people with TMJ disorder have hearing loss. Some of the signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder hearing loss include:
- Earache
- Tinnitus
- Clicking/popping of the jaw
- Muffled/reduced hearing
- Full feeling in the ear
How do TMJ exercises?
There are several exercises that you can do to relieve the symptoms of TMJ disorder and ultimately cure TMJ permanently. Your dentist can give you instructions on the best exercises to do.