TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, involves conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, jaw muscles, and nerves on one or both sides of the head, which can result in jaw, face, and head and neck pain. The pain may be severe, can be either intermittent or constant, and can last for many years, plus it can flare up during stressful times.
TMJ conditions include:
- Myofacial Pain. This is the most common TMJ condition that involves discomfort and pain in the muscles that control jaw movement.
- Internal Derangement. This TMJ disorder is associated with a displaced disc in the jaw joint, a dislocated jaw or a lower jaw injury.
- Arthritis. This TMJ pain involves degenerative and inflammatory joint conditions.
More than 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ, and it has been predicted that as much as 85 percent of the U.S. population will experience some type of TMJ symptom in their lifetime. TMJ affects twice as many women as men, and is most prevalent among people between the ages of 20 and 40.
Certain causes of TMJ also may affect your bite, as well as the longevity of any smile makeover restorations you may want your dentist to provide. If your dentist identifies problems such as wear, tooth mobility, or muscle pain, your bite may need to be adjusted.
Ensuring a stable bite is essential to your oral health and the long-term durability and functionality of cosmetic restorations. Also, maintaining a stable occlusion and a proper bite helps ensure that your upper and lower teeth will come into contact in the most comfortable and pain-free manner possible, without unnecessary force that could lead to headaches or fractured restorations.
I appreciate the insight, and I think the author definately knows their stuff… has better info than the wiki on the subject!
First, I’d like to thank you for this enlightening article. Second, I would like to inquire where I can find more information regarding your post. I arrived here through Bing and cannot find any other relevant sites on this topic. necessary. Thank you.
Teeth grinding is one of my most embarrassing secrets. The worst factor is, I didn’t even learn about it till one of my girlfriends asked me about it in the morning and every morning after that (we broke up – however that’s a different story) and I didn’t just like the feeling. I tried getting a dental guard for it, after taking a look at sites about how to stop grinding teeth, but then my jaws would get sore, and my teeth ached. It is a real trouble, particularly if I am staying with my girlfriend, as I would get up in the mornings, with drool all over if I’m wearing a teeth guard. If in case you have any details about teeth grinding, I’d appreciate it if you happen to share – thanks!
I really like your site. Great posts! Please keep posting such awesome cotent.