Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull, which are in front of the ears. The entire temporomandibular joint area is consists of bones, discs, ligaments, and muscles that allow the movement of the jaw. If the muscles and jaws in the face develop problems, the condition is called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).

There are no exact reasons to what causes TMD, but the dentists believe that the problem starts from the muscles of your jaw or when experiencing too much stress. According to experts, women are more prone to TMD  than men, especially during their childbearing days. The patient may suffer from uncontrollable pain and discomfort that usually last for a long time if not properly treated.Causes of TMJ Disorder

• Arthritis
• Misalignment of your teeth and jaw
• Trauma
• Bad Oral habits
• Diseases
• Jaw dislocation

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

• Popping or clicking sounds on the jaw.
• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, shoulder, around the ear
• Chronic headaches
• Tensions in the neck, shoulder, and back
• Jaws lock or get stuck when opening and closing the mouth
• Problems in chewing
• Pain when opening the mouth wide

Treatment

At Cherokee Smiles Dental, we offer several treatments to help people with TMJ Disorders to recover fast. Lifestyle changes and less-involved treatments will be done first before the extensive treatments. The dentist may advise the patient to use night guards to reduce nighttime grinding that is associated with the disorder. Jaw muscle-strengthening activities will also be taught, and medications will be prescribed.  Home remedies for TMJ

• Medications that can be bought over the counter
• Usage of cold or heat packs
• Eating soft foods
• Avoid excessive jaw movements
• Keep your teeth apart as often as you can
• Try relaxation techniques to help your jaw relax

Soft Foods to Eat

• Scrambled eggs
• Fruit smoothies
• Cooked vegetables or fruits
• Fish
• Grains
• Beans
• Cottage cheese
• Soup
• Yogurt
• Mashed potatoes

If you are experiencing signs of TMJ Disorder, book your appointment with Cherokee Smiles Dental for TMJ Disorder Treatment in Acworth, GA. You may book your appointment by calling us at (770) 679-3029. We are located at 6572 Highway 92 Suite 120 Acworth, GA 30102.