21 Feb

London Dentist Talks about Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction

Your temporomandibular joint, or the TMJ, is the joint in your jaw. There is one TMJ on either side of your jaw. It’s a very important joint, and is used every time we chew, eat and speak.
Because of the location and nature of the TMJ, it’s a joint that interests multiple disciplines, including dentistry and neurology. If you think you might be having problems with your TMJ, see your London dentist, who should be able to refer you to a specialist if necessary.
TMJ dysfunction can happen in many different ways – but often, TMJ disorders share similar symptoms. You might feel pain around your jaw, but also around your head, neck and ears. You might also find your jaw feels restricted, and mandible movement may cause you significant pain. TMJ dysfunctions can affect your ears and hearing too. Many patients report earache and hearing loss.
One of the most common TMJ dysfunctions is what’s called disc displacement. This is when the articular disc slips out of place in your jaw, causing painful friction and grinding. If you have any reason to think you might be suffering from a TMJ dysfunction, you should see your dentist immediately. They can be very painful, and treatment is often necessary.