What is TMJ disorder and how can I treat it?
The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, and each person has two in their mouth, one on each side of their jaw. These joints, responsible for controlling movements such as eating, speaking, and yawning, are also the sources of a common problem. Whether resulting from such factors as aging or teeth clenching, the symptoms of TMJ disorder can range from dizziness to headaches and back pain, or from a clicking jaw to pain behind the eyes, neck, and shoulders. There are different treatment options available for TMJ disorder, depending on the severity of the problem. Most disorders can be treated with a plastic guard that fits directly over your teeth, made right in the dentist’s office from a mold of your mouth. This method focuses on the resting of the jaw, and has proven to be very effective in the majority of cases. If the plastic guard does not relieve the symptoms, then the dentist may recommend surgery.
