Recently, CNN posted a video featuring TMJ on their website. It is great that this condition is getting national attention because many people have TMJ disorder and do not realize it. With that being said, there are a few key aspects of the disorder that I believe were not properly touched on in the video.
Video Breakdown
The video starts by introducing Amber Clemmons, who recently had a dental procedure that left her with an uneven bite. This triggered what she describes as consistent pain in her left jaw that was radiating up into the top of her head and around her eye paired with chronic migraines. These are classic symptoms of TMJ disorder (referred to as TMD in the video).
We are then introduced to Dr. Scott De Rossi from Georgia Regents University. He mentions that while doctors and dentists do not have an exact cause for TMJ disorder pinned down, that the condition usually stems from either big trauma such as accidents or sport injuries or micro trauma such as bruxism, chewing your nails, or over working the jaw in general.
The video does touch on some symptoms of the disorder like tightness or soreness of the jaw, limited jaw mobility, headaches, neck pain, and tinnitus just to name a few.
Overall, the video does give a lot of good general information about TMJ disorder. For example, I am glad that they mentioned the use of dental appliances as a method of treatment. Some things I would have liked touched on in more detail would be some ways to protect your temporomandibular joint against TMJ disorder. Also, there are some at-home remedies that can aid in dealing with TMJ pain such as the use of heat and the Masseter Muscle Massage that were not touched on. Also, I want to qualify Dr. De Rossi’s statement that most TMJ disorders can be treated at home. It is very important to consult a TMJ dentist if you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder that don’t go away after a week or worsen under home care. Progressive damage to the teeth, jaw, and joint can result from untreated TMJ.
See a TMJ Dentist
If you are experiencing persistent, chronic jaw pain or any of the above-mentioned symptoms, then TMJ disorder may be the culprit. It is important that you see a dentist that you can trust. If you are in the Denver area and have any questions about TMJ disorder or would like to schedule an appointment please give the TMJ Therapy & Sleep Center of Colorado at (303) 691-0267.
