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TMJ Syndrome

The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, but you probably know it better as the "jaw joint." With one on each side, the TMJ connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. Notice how you can move your jaw both up and down and side to side? It's a complicated joint that allows for a wide range of motion.

Temporomandibular joint syndrome describes problems with the jaw. Jaw problems can include clicking, popping, limited motion, jaw pain or facial pain. TMJ disorder is the result of inflammation within the jaw, and it typically results in jaw dysfunction and/or joint pain.

TMJ syndrome treatment usually begins with anti-inflammatory painkillers and gentle jaw exercises to stretch the joint, loosen jaw muscles, and increase range of motion. Some patients find TMJ relief by getting a night guard or bite plate from their TMJ .

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Subliminal Stuff: Teeth Grinding and TMJ

Sensitivity to heat and cold. Loosened teeth, fractures, and a debilitating headache. All this can occur while you sleep - from grinding your teeth. Dentistry calls it bruxism.

Talk about shell shock. Dentists see evidence of life in the fast lane everyday. As many as 90 percent of us grind our teeth each night, on the average of five episodes per evening. The bite force is so powerful - over 200 pounds per square inch - and the noise so fearful, you cannot physically duplicate this phenomenon when you're wide awake. While you're sleeping, a lot of damage is being done that could be causing TMJ symptoms.

Bruxing seems to be associated with the REM stage of sleep, that never-never land where dreaming and rapid eye movement occur. There is some evidence that a bite out of alignment contributes to bruxing, but most agree stress is the problem. Or, even more alarming, the anticipation of stress.

Most people learn about a bruxing habit from the spouse who has to put up with it every night. More clues; waking up in the morning with jaw pain, jaw popping, jaw clicking, migraine or muscle fatigue and loose teeth.

Physical therapy, muscle relaxants and, sometimes, a custom dental appliance can help. But learning how to handle the stress in your life could salvage more than your teeth and help eliminate TMJ syndrome.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.