Signs of TMJ Disorder

A lot of different parts are involved that help ensure that you are able to eat and speak comfortably. If any one of these parts becomes damaged, it could make life a lot more difficult. Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the connector between the lower jaw and the mandible. When something happens to this joint, it can seriously impair your ability to talk and eat. But in addition to this, it can also lead to headaches, tenderness in the jaw, uncomfortable clicking or popping in the jaw, and the jaw locking up. These are the signs of a TMJ disorder, and they are a sign that it is time to see our expert in TMJ in Thousand Oaks.

TMJ disorders are most often caused by bruxism (teeth grinding). Since this is often caused by stress, a doctor will sometimes recommend practicing relaxation techniques, but sometimes our expert in TMJ disorder in Thousand Oaks will need to prescribe you a mouth guard to help alleviate your symptoms. A mouthpiece reduces the damage that occurs to your teeth and joints. Other treatments can include pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and physical therapy. In extreme circumstances, surgery may be the only option.