How To Treat Temporomandibular Joint Disease
The temporomandibular joints are the sliding hinge joints that connect the skull and the jaw bone on either side of the face. When this joint becomes diseased, patients experience pain both in the joints and in the muscles that support jaw movement. Pain in the area can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as habitually clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth. Genetics, arthritis, and injury can also lead to this pain. Additional symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease include difficulty or pain while chewing, aching pains around the ears, locking of the joint, and clicking sounds when you open or move your mouth. In most cases, the discomfort associated with TMJ disease is temporary and can be treated with the following options.