Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction: An Explanation

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Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TJD) can be a very painful condition, which occurs when the temporomandibular joint (the muscles that move the jaw) malfunctions. Symptoms include pain and the inability to move the jaw properly, and while TJD is not life-threatening, it can be extremely painful and can seriously affect the quality of a person’s life.

Treatments

There is a dentist near Newtown‌, ‌Sydney Park Dental, where you can have TJD treated by an experienced specialist who can carry out effective treatment.  There are several factors that come together to cause TJD, and treatments vary from dentist to dentist, and while some dental clinics have relatively little experience in treating this condition, there are those who tend to specialize in TJD and other oral issues that are not directly connected with the teeth.

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Potential Sufferers

TJD is more likely to affect people between the ages of 20-40, with females having slightly more of a chance of suffering this condition than men. There is still a degree of uncertainty regarding this condition, and while some dental experts think it is caused by a single condition, others feel it is a combination of several attributes. One thing that everyone agrees on, is that the condition can be very painful, and if left untreated, it certainly won’t improve. Many sufferers take medication to relieve the pain, rather than visiting an experienced dentist who could offer treatment, and if you suffer from this condition, you are advised to find a dentist who has experience in treating TJD.

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Possible Causes

Despite much research, we are still not sure what causes TJD, and there is some evidence to suggest that an impact to the jaw can cause the mastication muscles to suffer. Whiplash, for example, can often result in extreme pain when chewing, and any damage to the jaw could cause pain and discomfort when moving the jaw muscles. Grinding one’s teeth can also result in experiencing pain when chewing, and some people tightly clench their jaw when under stress, which can also bring on this painful condition.

The Importance of Regular Dental Examinations

It is very important to have an oral examination at least once a year, which allows the dentist to assess your oral hygiene, and should there be any issues, the dentist can recommend treatment. Some people only visit their dentist when they are in pain, which is not recommended, as you might have issues that do not exhibit painful symptoms, and if such a condition were to go unnoticed, it might lead to serious issues in the future.

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Injuries to the Head, Neck & Shoulders

Some people report pain when chewing after suffering an injury to the head, neck, or shoulders, and should you ever experience such a condition, you are advised to see your dentist, who can carry out a thorough examination to determine the cause. Apart from prescribing pain relief medication, the dentist might offer other treatments that are effective in reducing or eliminating the pain, which depends on the cause.

Approximately 20-30% of all adults will experience TJD at some point in their lives, and for most, the problem disappears after treatment, never to return, and should you ever experience pain and discomfort while chewing, make an appointment to see your local dentist.