What are the signs and symptoms?

The TMD disorder is becoming a matter of concern all around the world. The problem regarding TMJ or the Temporomandibular Joint which joins the jaw and the temporal bone that is present in the skull. The frontal end of the skull is connected to the jaw bone to ensure the free (up and down or side to side) movement of the jaw. This is the joint that initiates and regulates chewing, yawning, Talking and other facial movements. Any kind of problems related to the jaw joint or the facial muscles is known as the Temporomandibular Joint Disorder which is generally known as TMJ or TMD. 

The causes of this TMD disorder are mainly any injury in the jaw line area, arthritis and sometimes even due to the excessive pressure that is unnecessarily given while Clenching Teeth unnecessarily or while chewing. The excessive pressure causes the cushion to corrode away and that is why this disorder occurs. But this disorder is definitely new to the generation and opting for its cure is only possible when the signs and symptoms are detected in its early stage. So let us discuss the symptoms elaborately:

They are:

1. The face getting tender and the joint and the shoulder area getting swollen is an important sign that should be taken care of in order to be cured. It is even to notice if there is any pain in the ears and the area around it while a person is chewing or talking or even when a person merely opening his or her mouth. It is often seen that opening the mouth slightly would cause pain as well. That is a very important sign to be noticed carefully.
2. It often happens that the jaw might get stuck or locked while talking, yawning or simply opening one’s mouth. This is also a symptom. Further, there would be a reflection of tiredness on the face of the person suffering from TMJ or TMD.
3. Another serious and easily noticeable symptom is the popping and any kind of grating sound which is not painful but there would be substantial swelling in the face and the jaw area. This kind of popping sound generally occurs while opening or closing the mouth and even while chewing.
4. While people might detect it easily when there is popping sound while opening or closing the mouth, there might be popping sound even in the ear while a persistent pain prevails in the temple area. This is an unusual and rare sign and symptom.

It is always advised to consult a TMJ Dentist and take their expert advice. While sometimes home remedies such as some over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs might work but most of the time but seeing a dentist is always a better option. The dentist might give you Botox injections when the case reaches to an extreme condition and in the initial stage, certain physical ways and dental splints will work. But when the cases reach to the extreme state, then surgery is the only way out.

Authored by Dr. ABHIMANYU CHATURVEDI