Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
The symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
- pain in the facial or jaw muscles
- earache, tinnitus or hearing loss
- grating, clicking or popping sounds when your joints move
- a strange or uneven bite – feeling like your teeth don’t fit together well
- your jaw locking open or closed
- headaches
- neck pain.
The image below shows the temporomandibular joint in action as the jaw opens and closes.
It’s not always possible to identify what has caused เล่นเกมคาสิโน UFABET ทันสมัย ฝากถอนง่าย a TMJ problem. However, some things that can lead to symptoms include:
- a blow/hit to the head or jaw
- tooth grinding or jaw clenching
- dental problems causing poor alignment between top and bottom teeth
- excessive chewing (eg, chewing gum or fingernails).
For many people TMJ disorders get better with self-care. Here are some things you can try to relieve symptoms and prevent them from returning:
- Rest your jaw as much as possible.
- Eat soft foods, like pasta, omelettes or soup.
- Don’t chew gum or bite your nails.
- Avoid extreme jaw movements, eg, yawning, shouting or singing.
- Use stress management techniques to help you relax your jaw muscles.
- Apply warm or cold compresses depending on which feels better.
- Take pain medicines such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
- Jaw exercises may be helpful.
See your healthcare provider if your pain:
- is severe enough to affect your daily life (especially if you’re unable to eat or drink)
- disturbs your sleep
- goes away but keeps coming back.
To get the best treatment, you may need to be referred to different experts, eg, a dentist, physiotherapist, oral surgeon or ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Some people may need to have surgery.