A recent article published by Fox News provides details on how TMJ is a common dental problem. Studies have shown that thousands, if not millions of people unknowingly suffer from TMJ disorder. While the condition is common to say the least, TMJ still stands as one of the most widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed dental health conditions today. Sometimes it is overlooked by health professionals; while in other cases, patients are simply unaware of the TMJ symptoms they are suffering from.
When the temporomandibular is misaligned or imbalanced, the body will naturally attempt to pull the jaw joint into a more ideal location. But what causes TMJ? There is no one cause of TMJ but many studies have determined that long-term grinding and clenching of the teeth, malocclusion, and jaw injuries can all cause or further aggravate TMJ. Studies have also determined that women in their childbearing years are more likely to suffer from TMJ; as are those who are under high amounts of stress.
Since no one problem causes TMJ, self-diagnosis and at-home-treatments are never enough to completely eliminate symptoms. While the Fox News article says that treatment for TMJ can include relaxation techniques, cold compresses, pain medications and avoiding hard and chewy foods; such treatment options are neither ideal nor do they fix the problem completely. Ultimately, these fixes are merely temporary pain relievers.
TMJ Treatment Requires Permanence
Patients who may possibly be suffering from TMJ should know that treating the condition at home is not going to fix the problem completely. Instead, treatment methods, such as OTC pain medications, only mask the problem; and as time goes on, the symptoms will return.
A truly permanent solution requires getting to the root of the problem and treating it accordingly. Certain skills, knowledge and experience are all required to permanently cure TMJ. To learn more about TMJ treatment options, contact Dr. Berry’s office online or call (303) 691-0267 today.
