Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) Causes and Prevention

Created on September 10, 2013

Temporomandibular Joint disorder is one of the major causes of headaches although we should not confuse headaches caused by TMJ with a migraine.  Dr. David I. Peck can diagnose the causes of headaches or migraines and recommend a treatment plan for TMJ in Massachusetts area.  TMJ is mainly caused by improper function of the jaw joint and below are some of its causes:

• Misalignment of the teeth or malocclusion
• Injuries
• Teeth clenching or grinding and improper biting that causes strain to the jaw muscles
• Stress

Pain caused by TMJ disorder may go away with pain killer medicines and ice packs.  In some rare and severe cases, a surgery is needed to reposition the jaw disk and eliminate the pain.  However, TMJ can be avoided at an early stage by following these basic simple things:

• Avoid eating hard or chewy food or avoid overusing of the jaw that may put your TMJ joint in stress.
• Avoid clenching or grinding of your teeth.
• Avoid slouching

Treatment of TMJ

Proper diagnosis by a dentist is necessary to find out what is the proper treatment or therapy is suitable for the patient.  If the TMJ is mild, the doctor may recommend muscle relaxant, pain reliever medications and stress management.  The available self-help method of jaw exercises is also an option.  However, a surgery is appropriate in severe but rare cases of TMJ and may be recommended when patients can’t open their jaw.

TMJ in Massachusetts

Success rate of TMJ in Massachusetts is very high with the expertise of Dr. David I. Peck.  He is a cosmetic dentist who can efficiently handle TMJ disorders that includes diagnosis, treatment, therapies and surgeries.

Tagged with: Tmj