fbpx

TMJ: What It Is and What Causes It

Heart Disease and How Good Oral Health Can Save Your Life
July 16, 2021
Do You Need Scaling and Root Planing?
September 13, 2021
Heart Disease and How Good Oral Health Can Save Your Life
July 16, 2021
Do You Need Scaling and Root Planing?
September 13, 2021
Show all

TMJ: What It Is and What Causes It

A patient presents themselves and states that they have been experiencing pain in the face and neck area. They also experience stiffness in the jaw, limiting movement. When asked to open their mouth, a clicking and popping sound is heard on the side of the head in front of the ears. These symptoms may be associated with a condition that affects the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). Here is a brief discussion about TMJ and how visiting the best periodontist serving Pennsylvania can help.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ or the temporomandibular joint is located on both sides of the head in front of the ears. It is a joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull and allows us to speak and eat. The term TMJ is used to generalize or refer to the health problems associated with the jaw. It can severely impact and reduce the quality of life for those who suffer from a TMJ disorder, both physically and mentally, as it can be extremely uncomfortable and painful to conduct routine activities.

What Causes the Symptoms Mentioned Above?

There are several causes that result in the symptoms experienced above. These causes include arthritis, chronic periodontitis, habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth, structural jaw issues, and erosion of the joint. In addition, prolonged stress, poor diet, poor posture, and lack of sleep can cause these symptoms associated with TMJ.

Self-Care and Home Remedies

If you suspect that you are experiencing these symptoms associated with TMJ as a result of periodontal disease or other causes and are looking to seek immediate relief while searching for the best periodontist serving Pennsylvania, here are a few home remedies to help soothe the pain:

– Avoid eating chewy or tough food

– Use ice to help with the swelling

– Alleviate your stress by meditating

– Take over-the-counter pain medication

While these home remedies may temporarily suffice, it should not replace the advice and care from an expert periodontist.

Visiting a Periodontist for Help

A periodontist is a dentist that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, a disease that can cause TMJ. Professional periodontists can also accurately diagnose and provide appropriate treatment, making them the best healthcare professionals to turn to for help. Perhaps you are still searching for the best periodontist serving Pennsylvania but do not know how or where to start. Visit Dr. Barry P. Levin, DMD, PC. He has been offering his expertise to help those who suffer from periodontal disease and TMJ since 1996. So, when searching for the leading periodontist in Pennsylvania, he is the one you can trust and depend on. Call or visit him at https://www.aperiodoc.com to make an appointment today.