Disorders affecting the jaw joint, or temporomandibular joint, occur as a result of problems arising in the facial muscles, jaw or joints responsible for talking and eating. Often referred to as TMDs, and sometimes mistakenly as TMJs, these disorders can be painful and irritating, although exact causes of the disorders are unclear.
Injury to the jaw muscles, or muscles of the head and neck, have been a cause of TMD but it is not necessarily a head or neck trauma that causes them. Other possible causes include teeth grinding, dislocation of soft cushion in the jaw joint, arthritis and even possibly stress, which can cause a tightening of the muscles.
The main symptom of problems arising in the jaw joint is pain, usually around the face, neck and shoulders. Other indicators are an inability to open the mouth or a jaw that locks or gets stuck in the open or closed positions. Swelling in the face or a difficulty eating or chewing could be tell tale signs of TMD.
A Bootle dentist will be able to check for signs of TMD during a routine check up. They can do this by feeling for swelling in the face or neck and listening for clicking or popping in the joints as they move. If TMD is suspected they will be able to recommend and MRI or CT scan to gain a better understanding of the exact problem. The dentist may also refer the patient on to an oral surgeon who will be better equipped to offer specific surgical treatments.
Depending on your situation, a dry mouth can be caused by any number of factors. For example, if you take certain medications, this may be one of the side effects. Oddly enough, when you mouth becomes too dry, bacteria and food particles will not be washed away quickly enough. Therefore, regardless of why you have a dry mouth, it will be a good idea to visit your Aintree dentist.
Here is another reason why you should avoid stress. Teeth grinding!