Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball, 54, opened up about the painful jaw condition on Wednesday evening.
In one Instagram Posting to her 739K followers, the radio presenter shared pictures of herself before and after treatment at a London clinic and said: “I have TMJ and most days with terrible headaches from tension and jaw clenching. i wake up
“So grateful to Helen @thesculptresslondon for her magic. This is my face when I saw it, check out my face before – yes – pic 2.
But what are the symptoms of this condition, and can it be treated?
what is it
“TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull,” explains Dr. Rizwan Mehmood, dentist and co-founder. Rüh Dental. “This joint enables essential movements such as speaking, chewing and yawning and is essential for daily activities, and problems with it can cause significant discomfort.”
people TMJ is often mistakenly used to refer to the condition, but TMD is a more accurate term.
“TMJ refers to the joint itself, while TMD (temporomandibular disorder) describes a variety of conditions that can affect the joint and surrounding muscles,” Mahmood explains.
And there are three main types of temporomandibular disorders.
“The main types are joint disorders (such as disc problems in the joints), musculoskeletal disorders (affecting the chewing muscles) and headaches associated with TMD,” said Annie Seaborn, chief of general dentistry. Bupa Dental Care.
What causes these problems?
“Jib joint problems can have a number of causes, such as jaw injuries (such as overstretching or dislocation), teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), complex dental procedures (such as wisdom teeth removal), Bad jaw conditions or habits like nail biting or hard chewing,” explains Seaborne.
What are the symptoms?
“Symptoms This can include pain in the jaw, ears, neck, or shoulders, and limited jaw movement or a locked jaw,” says Seaborn. “People may have trouble moving the jaw, headaches, and biting incorrectly. Clicking, popping or rattling sounds are also experienced when felt.
“Symptoms often improve on their own but can be worsened by straining, chewing or grinding.”
How can it affect daily life?
“TMD can make even simple activities like chewing, talking, or yawning painful and difficult,” says Mahmood. “It can also disrupt sleep patterns and affect focus and concentration, making it difficult to function during the day.”
Can it cause any complications?
“If left untreated, TMD can lead to chronic pain, limited jaw movement, and even long-term damage to the jaw joint,” Mahmood warns. “It can also cause migraines, ear problems, and difficulty speaking or eating.”
Can it be cured?
“Usually, it can subside on its own with recommendations for symptom management at home,” says Neri Whitley, chief clinical officer. mydentist. “This may include eating soft foods that are easy to chew, taking pain-free pain medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage any pain, reducing habits such as nail-biting, jaw clenching or teeth grinding, and hot or applying a cold compress to the face
“In some cases, your dentist will also recommend using a mouth guard at night or during the day to better protect your teeth.”
However, if symptoms persist for more than three months, surgery may be considered.
“In these cases, a specialist may recommend other treatments, including jaw manipulation under anesthesia, muscle relaxant injections or, in severe cases, surgery (eg, joint repair or replacement),” says Seaborn. ”
Is there anything you can do to reduce the symptoms yourself?
“Avoid opening your mouth really wide and avoid habits like biting your nails and gums,” Whitley suggests. “Also avoid straining your neck and back with prolonged bad posture, for example, when you’re working at a computer or desk.” Adapting your lifestyle habits can also help. Wear a hard bite guard for long periods of time and if your dentist gives it to you,” Whitley advises. “Try to reduce sources of stress in your life if possible and if you can Do more general physical exercise.“And finally, be patient. Nine out of 10 patients with TMD get better by following these simple tips.