Dental and health

A chronic headache was this man’s complaint when he stepped in the dentist’s office in New York. He explained that he was unsuccessful when he consulted a neurologist, a nose and throat specialist, an internist, and an orthopaedic surgeon.

Good enough, this dentist was able to spot a lower jaw problem called TMJ or temporomandibular joint dysfunction which proves to be curable. The same problem was liable for the misdiagnosis of the neck and facial pains of a Virginia woman as arthritis, as well as the seeming earache and sinus pain of other women. The public disregards the reality that 20 percent of the population is affected by TMJ, also known as the great imposter for its amazing feature to replicate a broad range of diseases and symptoms. A huge number of unconnected symptoms are experienced by victims of TMJ dysfunction. Some experience functional problems such as being unable to open or close the mouth. In some, there may be only pain that builds up migraine, sinus problems, atypical facial imitating a tic douloureux or a temporal arteritis, or a neck and shoulder pain. There are also some who do not feel the pain but as a tradeoff, they become dizzy, encounter tinnitus or ear ringing, or have subjective hearing loss.

In reality, they become neurotic because of the pain and pain does not cause neurosis. The lower jaw or mandible hinges to the skull just in front of the ear where the temporomandibular joint is located. The joint can get out of adjustment if when biting or yawning, the jaw is opened too wide.

Clenching or gnashing puts too much pressure in the teeth appears to be one of the most common causes. If this happens, the balance of muscles and ligaments that are incharge of joint movement is affected thus making it upset. As a result, the muscles will spontaneously contract or go into a spasm during a painful state. Pain is radiated from small areas of great sensitivity called trigger areas within muscles.

Terrible pains are produced by the trigger areas in the TMJ muscle system in the mouth as well as anywhere in the head, neck, and shoulders. Patients are puzzled because when mouth is being opened, jaw pains are relieved but then, it worsens upon chewing, speaking, and brushing of the teeth for in the process, jaws are clenched and teeth are grinded.

He says that any physician or dentist can do the tests in a minute to help pinpoint TMJ dysfunction. Upon listening with or without a stethoscope, a clicking or creptitus noise can be heard similar when the jaw moves. The muscles and the TMJ on each side are felt by others to detect any spasm.

In some cases, the use of jaw muscles is needed in order to restore balance. They may be asked to perform simple exercises in addition to making a conscious effort to chew on the other side as well. One of the simple exercises would be to position the tip of the tongue far back on the roof of the mouth while mouth is then opened wide. Another would be to move the jaw away from the weak side in about how many times to strengthen the muscles.

The key to combat spasm is to apply moist heat for 10 minutes three times a day to both sides of the face and to eat soft foods for a certain period of time. Now, dental schools and hospitals have set up special clinics for TMJ dysfunction. This movement shows that a growing number of doctors and dentists give relevance to the TMJ dysfunction problem.

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