| TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint. It is a joint | | | | jaw, like clenching teeth, chewing gum or tightening |
| in your jaw that can sometimes develop problems. | | | | jaw muscles. Other treatment options are medication, |
| The name of this temporomandibular joint | | | | dental treatment, and surgery.The medication used is |
| dysfunction is TMJ.What Causes TMJ?TMJ can be | | | | usually an over-the-counter pain reliever like |
| caused by overuse of the temporomandibular joint. | | | | Ibuprofen. For more severe pain, anti-inflammatory |
| Things that can cause clenching of teeth or tightening | | | | prescription medication can be an option. A dental |
| of the jaw are stress or anxiety. Tension in the jaw | | | | appliance such as a biteplate can be an effective |
| can cause TMJ.TMJ can also be caused by a | | | | treatment for grinding teeth and clenched jaws.As a |
| misalignment of the upper and lower joints. This can | | | | last resort, surgery can be performed to repair or |
| be caused by a car accident or natural occurrence | | | | remove the disk between the jaw and the temporal |
| Inflammation of that joint can also be caused by | | | | bone. This option, however, is for extreme cases |
| arthritis.TMJ Symptoms:Ear PainFrequent HeadachesA | | | | only and should only be pursued after all other |
| Locked JawClicking in the JawJaw, Cheek or Temple | | | | options have been exhausted.Written by Carrie |
| SorenessOptions for Treatment:Find ways to | | | | Reeder. |
| eliminate habits that put pressure or stress on the | | | | |