The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects the jaw to the skull. However, many people experience pain in their jaw, which can be traced back to the temporomandibular joint. Supreme Dentistry’s
family dentistry services help outline the signs of jaw joint disorders and offer ideas on how you and your loved ones can support TMJ Awareness Month this November. By being better informed you and your family can maintain better oral health.
Signs of TMJ Disorders
Caused by a variety of factors, TMJ disorders can be uncomfortable. However, they are usually only temporary. Often, jaw joint disorders are caused by bruxism or habitual grinding of the teeth, but this does not mean teeth-grinding will lead to jaw joint conditions. Also, temporomandibular joint diseases can occur due to arthritis, jaw injury, or genetics. Some of the signs of TMJ disorders include:
- Jaw and facial aches
- Earache
- Difficulty chewing
- Locking of the jaw
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Pain or tenderness around the jaw
Another sign of a temporomandibular joint disorder is experiencing a clicking sound while chewing or talking.
As with any medical complaint, it can be challenging to know when to seek professional treatment. The golden rule is that if you have concerns, or are experiencing pain or limited movement, seek medical care urgently. Your dentist can offer advice and treatment for jaw joint problems.
When a doctor or dentist examines a patient for jaw joint conditions, they will usually feel your jaw and listen for clicking sounds. For instance, they will ask you to open and close your mouth so that they can feel your jaw working. They may also press on the area around the jaw to determine if you are experiencing any tenderness. However, in rare cases, an MRI may be needed to examine soft tissues and joint disks.
Things to Do for TMJ Awareness Month
TMJ Awareness Month takes place throughout November. It is a national movement designed to raise awareness of the conditions associated with the temporomandibular joint. It’s an excellent time to schedule a dental exam and ask your dentist about any jaw problems you have.
Many dental practices have informative events surrounding TMJ awareness, and there may be posters and infographics hanging in the office for you to take a look at. Leading dentists worldwide will also post articles, videos, or podcasts discussing the condition and what you can do about it.
The most important thing you can do during any awareness month is to find out more about the condition. For instance, you can raise the topic with your loved ones and check yourself over for symptoms. Nevertheless, your dentist will be happy to examine you and to answer any questions you may have.
A burgundy ribbon represents TMJ Awareness Month. Purchasing an official ribbon helps raise funds for awareness and research.
Supreme Dentistry
At Supreme Dentistry, we pride ourselves on our premium dental care. We offer treatment across a broad spectrum of dental concerns, such as:
- Dental exams and cleanings
- Oral cancer screening
- Emergency dental care
- Cosmetic dentistry options
- Pediatric dentistry
- Invisalign™ treatments
Our waiting times are short, and we maintain this with the latest software. Supreme Dentistry understands how busy our patients’ lives are, so we offer flexible office hours and virtual consultations.
We believe that taking care of your smile can change your life. We’ll help you get your confidence back and improve your overall well-being with excellent dental care.
Supreme Dentistry will treat every patient with the same level of care we would expect for our loved ones. If you want to schedule a dental exam or talk about TMJ with a friendly professional, call Supreme Dentistry on
844.966.2333.
