Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ or TMD)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dumont, New Jersey, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) January 25, 2012 -- Temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMD or TMJ) is a common yet painful condition that stems from the connective region between your jaw and skull that includes your temporomandibular joint.

Your temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects your mandible to your skull, and is responsible for all the movement of your jaw. The temporomandibular joint operates in conjunction with the surrounding network of nerves, muscles, joints, tendons and bones, which affect your ability to bite, chew, swallow and feel sensation in your face.

However, a misaligned jaw or bite condition can put undue stress on this sensitive connective area, causing chronic, painful symptoms.

TMJ/TMD Symptoms

Because there are a number of symptoms associated with TMD/TMJ, and many of those symptoms are shared with other conditions, TMD/TMJ can be difficult to detect. Common symptoms of TMD/TMJ include:

• Clicking or popping in the jaw
• Limited jaw mobility or complete lockjaw
• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Chronic headaches
• Ear ringing or hearing loss
• Dizziness
• Face, neck, back and shoulder pain

If you experience these symptoms alone or in combination, you should discuss them with your dentist. Left untreated, TMJ can lead to chronic discomfort, uneven teeth wear, sleep disorders, breathing difficulties and periodontal disease.

Diagnosing TMD/TMJ can entail a physical examination as well as the use of technological tools such as digital imaging. A transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS) unit may be used to relax the muscles in your jaw, allowing it to settle into its natural position and providing your dentist the ability to assess related bite conditions or jaw alignment problems.

Treating TMJ/TMD

There are a number of options for treating TMD/TMJ. Some treatments are as simple as changing poor dental health habits, while others require the use of custom orthotics.

The specifics of your treatment will be determined during your TMD/TMJ exam.

If you live in the Dumont, Bergenfield, Paramus, Haworth or Bergen County, New Jersey, areas and would like to learn more about TMD/TMJ treatment, please visit the website of Dumont Cosmetic Dental.

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