In many cases, the cause of temporomandibular joint disorder, otherwise known as TMJ in Kittanning PA, are not known. Some of the known causes are damage to the jaw joint or simply muscle fatigue. TMJ can also be caused by chewing gum excessively, grinding your teeth or clenching the jaw. It is even possible that an awkward position such as propping the telephone handset under your jaw can bring TMJ on.
There is a temporomandibular joint on both sides of the head; it is located just in front of the ears. It is this joint that allows for moving the jaw during eating, speaking or yawning. If an individual has a problem with the temporomandibular joint, there may be pain which can include pains in the ear and headaches. The individual will also have problems with chewing and may even have a locked jaw.
One of the problems that have been identified with TMJ Kittanning PA is that the disc, or that part of the joint which acts as a shock absorber, gets out of the correct alignment. This disc can easily be knocked out of alignment if one is hit in the jaw or suffers whiplash in an automobile accident, the disc can also wear as the years go by.
Arthritis is also thought to be a contributing factor to TMJ. Arthritis damages the cartilage in the joint itself which leads to the sensation of pain in the jaw and surrounding areas. If a person habitually grinds their teeth or clenches their jaw, this as well can be a cause. Many people have a tendency to grind their teeth when they are stressed or perhaps it is nothing more than a habit and the person doesn’t realize it. The dentist can usually tell if teeth grinding is at fault due to the wear patterns shown.
People who have grossly misaligned teeth may find difficulty in chewing correctly and as a result have problems with TMJ Kittanning PA. People with this problem have a tendency to exert pressure on one part of the jaw by eating on side of their mouth only. Chewing gum or chewing on one’s own fingernails can also have an effect on the way a person bites. Relief is often in the form of medication or wearing a bite guard to control teeth grinding at night.
Although you may be taking OTC medications for the relief of the pain associated with TMJ in Kittanning PA, you should also see the dentist who can identify and treat the issues. Contact Quad County Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today and set up an appointment.
