Treatment Of TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is like a hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. You have one on each side of your jaw. When you have a problem with these joints, it's called a TMJ disorder (TMD). It can make your jaw and the muscles around it hurt.

It's hard to know exactly why someone gets a TMJ disorder. It could be because of things like genetics, arthritis, or hurting your jaw. Some people who have jaw pain also grind or clench their teeth, which can make it worse.

Usually, the pain from TMJ disorders doesn't last long and can be helped with simple treatments you can do yourself or with things like medicine. Surgery is only done if other treatments don't work.

Signs of TMJ Disorders Can Include:

• Jaw pain or soreness
• Pain in one or both TMJ joints
• Aching around your ears
• Trouble chewing or pain when you chew
• Facial pain
• Your jaw gets stuck, and it's hard to open or close your mouth

Sometimes, TMJ disorders can make your jaw click or feel like it's grating when you move it. But if it doesn't hurt or stop you from moving your jaw, you might not need treatment for a TMJ disorder.