Does TMJ go away? This is a question many people ask. If your jaw clicks when chewing or locks when you open or close your mouth, it is possible that you are experiencing the symptoms of a temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. Although many factors could be why you have this condition, you can visit a specialist for TMJ treatment.
In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of TMJ and if it goes away with treatments. Carry on reading to learn more about this condition!
What is TMJ?
Do you know what keeps our jaw from slipping out of place? There’s a ball and socket hinge at the back, with a bony bump in front of the socket. In some instances, the bony bump allows your jaw to slip forward — only for the jaw to become stuck. Since the jaw is unable to slip back in position, the affected person experiences jaw pain and discomfort.
An experienced physician might be able to push the dislocated jaw back into position. However, chronic TMJ would require other treatments. This is because it can dislocate tendons, muscles, cartilage, etc. As a result, permanent jaw damage could occur.
TMJ Symptoms
Your jaw, eyes, ears, mouth, throat, and other areas of your facial structure are affected by the damage that takes place in your TMJ. So before you wonder if TMJ will go away, keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness in the TMJ region
- Discomfort in the ear and the area surrounding it
- Painful chewing
- Locked jaw
- Pain in other areas of the face
- Jaw pops when moving
- Jaw movement is restricted
Can TMJ Go Away?
Experiencing TMJ is no picnic; in fact, it can cause much discomfort. You should visit a TMJ specialist when you notice the symptoms since they can treat it properly. Usually, TMJ does not last long, and the symptoms go away, particularly if the condition is not severe. In addition, you will require a treatment plan if you are suffering from severe TMJ.
If your jaw pain comes and goes, it could mean you have a less severe case of TMJ. If this is the case, you might be able to manage the condition using the following tips:
- Practice jaw relaxation techniques to reduce teeth clenching and grinding.
- Use an ice pack or other alternatives to cold compress the affected area.
- Consume milkshakes, Jell-O, and other soft foods.
- Don’t make extreme jaw movements.
- Ask your doctor for some gentle jaw exercises you can try at home.
- Take OTC pain medications.
The above-mentioned tips could help with minor TMJ. However, severe TMJ requires professional treatment and does not go away on its own.
Things That Make TMJ Worse
Although TMJ does go away with proper treatment, there are certain factors that can make it worse. Below, you will find a list of things that make TMJ worse as well as threaten to ruin your oral health:
- Using your teeth to open packages or performing other tasks put stress on your jaw and muscles.
- Gnawing on your pencil or nails or nervously chewing.
- Taking big bites by opening your mouth wide.
- Staying in a poor posture
- Sleeping on your stomach without putting your neck, head, and back in proper alignment.
- Grinding your teeth.
- A clenching jaw or putting stress on the jaw
Conclusion
To conclude, TMJ does go away with proper treatments and tips. Therefore, visit a renowned professional for effective treatment. Our TMJ experts at Vintage Smile Family Dentistry can help you regain your jaw’s strength and position. So if you have any oral health issues, head to our dental clinic at 10300 Louetta Rd Ste 132, Houston, TX 77070, United States. You can also dial (281) 251-7770 to schedule an appointment with us.