Connecting the jaw to the skull, TMJ, i.e. The Temporomandibular Joint allows the easy movement of the mouth. Situated near both ears, the opening and closing of the mouth are possible due to this joint.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

Whenever there is any kind of health issue or disorder in the TMJ area of the mouth, they are categorized under TMJ Disorder. If you are experiencing any pain near your jaws or finding it difficult to move them, then you may have a TMJ Disorder. TMJ Disorder can be diagnosed by CT Scan, MRI, or X-Rays. Choosing a good TMJ specialist in San Diego will help the patient to treat this illness.

Cause of TMJ Disorder:

It is not exactly known what causes TMJ Disorders in people’s jaws. But there are a few health conditions that are found to be directly causing stress in the TMJ area. The health conditions that would require a patient to get checked with a TMJ specialist in San Diego are:

  • Grinding or Clenching Of The Jaw:

When irritated or angry, in order to control our emotions, we tend to grind or clench our jaws. This can be a big reason for the erosion of the disk holding the sliding hinge in the jaws.

  • Arthritis:

Since arthritis affects one or multiple joints in a body, TMJ is also affected in many cases. The cartilage of the Temporomandibular Joint gets damaged which in turn causes this disorder. In such a scenario, it is extremely important to get treated by a TMJ specialist in San Diego. Arthritis is said to be one of the most common reasons for TMJ Disorder in people.

  • Accident Or Injury:

Due to an accident or a brawl, when a person gets hit in the jawline, TMJ Disorder can also occur. In such cases, the joint is damaged by impact causing severe pain and swelling near the sliding hinge. Getting a CT scan taken by a TMJ specialist in San Diego to know the severity of the joint bruise will help in better treatment.

  • Puberty:

As part of growth disorders, many teenagers suffer from TMJ Disorders, especially girls. Excessive stress and strain are also the reasons for this disorder.

Treatment of TMJ Disorder:

  • Home remedies like icing the swelling potion, reducing stress, avoiding chewing gum, etc. can relieve joint pain.
  • Medications like local anesthesia, muscle relaxers, antidepressants, etc. prescribed by a TMJ specialist in San Diego may help.
  • In rare conditions when no remedy or treatment helps, a TMJ specialist in San Diego may suggest getting surgery for the disorder. Various therapies are also suggested for the patients.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding grinding of jaws or stress-inducing situations, will help a lot. If your pain near the jaw joint does not get better, make sure to book an appointment with a TMJ specialist now.