Your lower jaw and the skull are connected in front of the ear by the temporomandibular jaw. This joint allows the jaw’s opening and closing; thus, it is essential for the functions of eating and talking. However, this joint can develop a disorder that causes pain and discomfort. The discomfort may be caused by an injury, a disease such as arthritis, or even genetics. Usually, the cause of the pain or discomfort can be easily cured. If not treated, it may get worse over time; you should see your doctor whenever you feel discomfort in your jaw. Springfield TMJ specialists at Advantage Dental Care can diagnose and tailor the right treatment procedure to alleviate the pain.

How is TMJ diagnosed?

When you visit your doctor for treatment, the specialist may carry out a physical examination of your jaws, throat, neck, mouth, and face. The physical examination may include opening your mouth, biting, yawning, and others as directed by your doctor.  They may also ask several questions such as medical history, current medications, and if you have had any recent injuries.

Your doctor may refer you for further testing such as x-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Computerized Tomography (CT) scans. TMJ is sometimes challenging to diagnose, so your doctor may inspect the muscles that control the jaws as well as the discs at the jaw bone. The specialist will also inspect ligaments and bones, and tissues in your neck, face, and head. Your doctor may need to eliminate other diagnoses before identifying temporomandibular jaw because of the complexity of its diagnosis.

When should I seek medication for TMJ?

TMJ can be a debilitating condition; therefore, it needs early treatment. Though a bit of discomfort around your jaws may be a no cause for alarm, you should visit your doctor if the pain persists. See your doctor if you feel pain while closing and opening the mouth, especially when eating or swallowing. You should receive an early treatment of your jaw pain before it gets worse. Visiting your doctor early will also allow the specialist to explain how to avoid the habits that might worsen the pain.

What are home remedies to help relieve pain from TMJ?

There are remedies you can do to help relieve pain from temporomandibular jaw. Your doctor may also recommend these steps:

  • Antibiotics or over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen to relieve muscle pain.
  • Eating soft meals and avoiding hard food that makes you open your mouth widely and/or chew hard.
  • Learn how to relax your jaw correctly. You should ask your doctor if you need a massage to help relax your jaw.
  • Use ice and heat. You should apply ice on the painful area for 10 minutes. After this, apply moist heat, such as a warm towel, on the same area for 5 minutes.
  • Do not bite or clench your teeth. You should avoid biting or clenching your teeth as this puts pressure on your jaw. You should slightly put your teeth apart or put your tongue between the teeth to prevent biting or clenching.
  • Also, avoid resting your jaw in your hands and practice the correct posture to avoid straining your neck. If you are having persistent pain, do not brush it off.

By visiting your doctor, they will prescribe the proper medication after diagnosis. Contact the specialists at Advantage Dental Care to get relief from your temporomandibular jaw pain.