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	<title>My Clicking Jaw</title>
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	<description>All About TMJ And More Useful Information</description>
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		<title>TMJ Relief Journal</title>
		<link>http://myclickingjaw.com/tmj-relief.html</link>
		<comments>http://myclickingjaw.com/tmj-relief.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:40:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>myclickingjaw-com</dc:creator>
		
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		<description><![CDATA[TMJ disorder is not a serious health risk, but it certainly can be very painful and disruptive; for TMJ relief, there are a few simple things you need to know. If you are preoccupied by pain in your back, neck and jaw, or if you have frequent, unexplained headaches (especially when you wake up in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>TMJ disorder is not a serious health risk, but it certainly can be  very painful and disruptive; for TMJ relief, there are a few simple  things you need to know.  If you are preoccupied by pain in your back,  neck and jaw, or if you have frequent, unexplained headaches (especially  when you wake up in the morning), you could be suffering from a common  condition known as TMJ disorder.  This term refers to a group of  problems that can affect the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) of the jaw.   The TMJ is a complicated joint located on either side of the face; this  is the joint that connects the upper and lower jaw and permits them to  move up and down.  You can feel this triangular-shaped construction  where your jaws come together at the side of your face; by pressing your  fingers lightly, you can feel the ball-and-socket action as the mouth  opens and closes.  When habitual wear and tear begins to cause pain in  this frequently-used joint, you need TMJ healing to alleviate the  swelling and ease the pain of inflamed tissue in this sensitive area.   Symptoms of TMJ disorder include headaches, face and jaw soreness, neck  and back pain; you may also have difficulty opening or closing your  mouth, and in some cases you may hear clicking noises whenever you move  your jaw.  A TMJ specialist is your best option for determining whether  TMJ disorder is the source of your discomfort and for recommending a  treatment plan.</p>
<p>What are the best options for pain relief TMJ treatments?  TMJ  treatment involves reducing the swelling, relieving the pain, and  preventing the condition from recurring in the future.   Anti-inflammatory medications are often recommended for pain relief, and  exercises that relax the jaw and restore proper alignment are helpful  for prevention of this painful disorder. For natural pain relief,  dentists often recommend treating the affected area with hot or cold  compresses until the swelling recedes.</p>
<p>Where can I find TMJ help and exercises for TMJ pain?  A TMJ  specialist can help to determine what is causing the inflammation and  pain of your temporomandibular joint.  Exercises for TMJ pain are  helpful for relaxing the jaw and bringing it back into correct  alignment.  Try this: open your mouth wide and press your tongue against  the roof of your mouth.  Breathe in and out slowly, and repeat this ten  times.</p>
<p>What are the common causes of TMJ, and where can I find a TMJ cure?   TMJ is typically caused by clenching and grinding the teeth &#8211; mainly  while you are sleeping.  When this becomes a habit, inflammation and  chronic pain is often the result.  Other causes include holding a phone  between the neck and ear; TMJ relief is necessary to stop the swelling  and cure the pain.</p>
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		<title>TMJ Exercises Useful Tips</title>
		<link>http://myclickingjaw.com/tmj-excercises.html</link>
		<comments>http://myclickingjaw.com/tmj-excercises.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:33:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>myclickingjaw-com</dc:creator>
		
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		<description><![CDATA[If you have jaw, neck, or ear pain from TMJ, you know how disruptive this uncomfortable disorder can be; learn how TMJ exercises can help you to relax your jaw and eliminate TMJ pain for good. The jaw joints, called the temporomandibular joints (or TMJ) are formed of a complex ball-and-socket construction surrounded by muscles [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you have jaw, neck, or ear pain from TMJ, you know how disruptive  this uncomfortable disorder can be; learn how TMJ exercises can help you  to relax your jaw and eliminate TMJ pain for good.  The jaw joints,  called the temporomandibular joints (or TMJ) are formed of a complex  ball-and-socket construction surrounded by muscles and soft connective  tissue.  You can feel these joints on either side of your face, where  the upper and lower jaw come together just in front of your ears.   Because these joints are used every time you move your mouth to chew,  yawn, or speak, they are the most frequently moved joints in the human  body.  As a result, they are constantly subjected to the stress of wear  and tear, which can eventually lead to problems.  If you wake up in the  morning with pains in your jaw, the back of your neck, your upper back,  your ears and head, or even your face, this could be caused by a common  disorder of the TMJ.  Many people grind their teeth or clench their jaws  closed when they are under stress; this is called bruxism, and it  occurs often while you are sleeping and unaware.  You may also have a  habit of clenching your jaw during stressful moments while you are  awake, without being aware that you are doing it.  In time, this can  lead to swelling and chronic TMJ pain, or even numbness or dislocation  of the jaw.</p>
<p>Can you recommend a TMJ exercise to help me relax my jaws?  If you  have symptoms of TMJ, try this simple exercise:  Place your tongue  against the roof of your mouth, keeping your mouth open.  Breathe in  slowly, then breathe out, repeating the exercise ten times or more.</p>
<p>Do exercises for TMJ bring the jaws back into alignment?  To allow  your jaw to open and close in the proper alignment, hold the joints with  your fingers on either side, pressing lightly.  Open and close your  mouth several times very slowly; do not allow your jaw to click.  If you  experience pain, discontinue the exercise.</p>
<p>What is the best exercise for TMJ?  To help relax your jaw muscles,  press your fist against one side of your lower jaw and press gently,  allowing your jaw to move slightly toward the center.  Hold this  position for about ten seconds, then repeat from the other side of your  jaw.</p>
<p>How does exercise benefit the temporomandibular joint?  Exercise  relaxes the muscles, easing the strain caused by clenching the mouth  closed.  By keeping the muscles relaxed, you can prevent TMJ disorder  from causing pain in your jaw and neck; tmj exercises also help to keep  the jaw in alignment.</p>
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		<title>Jaw Swelling And More</title>
		<link>http://myclickingjaw.com/jaw-swelling.html</link>
		<comments>http://myclickingjaw.com/jaw-swelling.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:29:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>myclickingjaw-com</dc:creator>
		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://myclickingjaw.com/.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have painfull jaw swelling that does not seem to go away, there is a possibility that you have a condition known as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. TMJ disorder is very common, and it can be a source of extreme discomfort. TheTMJ is the most frequently used joint in the body, so it is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you have painfull jaw swelling that does not seem to go away,  there is a possibility that you have a condition known as TMJ  (temporomandibular joint) disorder.  TMJ disorder is very common, and it  can be a source of extreme discomfort. TheTMJ is the most frequently  used joint in the body, so it is not surprising that it is under  constant stress.  TMJ jaw pain results from chronic pressure and strain,  which can be caused by a number of different issues.  In most cases,  TMJ disorder is the result of clenching or grinding the teeth.  This  habit is known as bruxism, and many individuals are prone to do this in  their sleep.  If you wake up in the morning with jaw or neck pain,  earaches, headaches, or discomfort in the facial area, you may have been  grinding your teeth &#8211; a natural reaction to stress and anxiety.  You  may even grind your teeth or clench your jaw while you are awake without  being aware of it.  In time, this can cause painful inflammation in the  soft tissue of the TMJ.  Some people with this painful disorder also  experience clicking sounds in the jaw, as well as difficulty opening the  mouth fully; in some cases, the jaw may lock if the mouth is opened too  far.  Habitual gum chewing and frequently eating hard or chewy foods  can also lead to TMJ disorder.  Your dentist can determine whether your  mouth pain is due to swelling of the jaw.</p>
<p>Treating jaw numbness and swollen jaw neck pain is fairly  straightforward.  If you are experiencing chronic jaw pain or stiffness,  applying heat or cold to the affected area can ease the pain and help  reduce the swelling.  Anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen (Aleve)  and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are highly effective for reducing swelling  and soothing the pain of TMJ disorder.  In severe cases, a steroid  injection may be necessary to bring the inflammation under control.  In  addition, it is important to understand how you can prevent TMJ disorder  from recurring.  If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist can  design a specially fitted overnight mouth guard to prevent you from  clenching your jaw.  Avoid excessive gum chewing, eat soft foods if you  are in discomfort, and be aware of times when you are grinding your  teeth &#8211; usually when you are under stress.</p>
<p>Your dentist or TMJ specialist can examine your jaw to determine  whether your jaw and neck pain is caused by TMJ disorder.  A dislocated  jaw can cause extreme pain, and you will need a dentist who has  experience in TMJ disorders to reset your jaw.  Your dental care  provider will be able to recommend the best method to reduce jaw  swelling and the pain of TMJ jaw soreness.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>TMJ Disorder Review</title>
		<link>http://myclickingjaw.com/tmj-disorder.html</link>
		<comments>http://myclickingjaw.com/tmj-disorder.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:27:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>myclickingjaw-com</dc:creator>
		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://myclickingjaw.com/.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[TMJ disorder is a common problem that can affect virtually everyone. If you have ever had pain or discomfort in your jaw that does not go away quickly, TMJ syndrome may be to blame. The jaw is, understandably, the most frequently used joint in the human body, and the constant stress and strain can eventually [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>TMJ disorder is a common problem that can affect virtually everyone.   If you have ever had pain or discomfort in your jaw that does not go  away quickly, TMJ syndrome may be to blame.  The jaw is, understandably,  the most frequently used joint in the human body, and the constant  stress and strain can eventually lead to inflammation of the joints  which causes stiffness and pain.  The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint,  is located on either side of the jaw.  You can feel this triangular,  bony mass by pressing your fingers to your face just in front of the  ear; if you move your jaw up and down, you can feel the jaw moving.   This complex joint is comprised by a ball-and-socket construction with  surrounding connective and muscle tissue.  Each time you open and close  your mouth to speak or chew, this joint is put into motion.  The  constant stress of chewing, combined with unconscious jaw clenching or  teeth grinding (a common phenomenon that results from stress), can cause  considerable joint pain and discomfort in this sensitive area.  Your  doctor or dentist can diagnose TMJ with a physical examination which  includes palpating the jaw joints (either from the outside or by  palpating inside the ear), or via an MRI.  An MRI is useful for  detecting inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding the joints of the  jaw.  Treatment is fairly straightforward, and your dentist can instruct  you on how to prevent this painful condition from recurring.</p>
<p>What causes temporomandibular joint disorder?  TMJ disorders are  common among people of any age.  This uncomfortable condition may be  caused by constant gum-chewing or the consumption of hard, chewy foods,  but in general, it tends to be caused by stress.  When you are under  pressure, you may clench your jaw without being aware that you are doing  so.  Many people who experience stress in their daily lives acquire the  habit of bruxism, or clenching and grinding their teeth while they are  sleeping.  While you are not aware that this is happening, a clue that  you have this problem is waking up with pain in the ears or face, or  with a headache that has no other explanation.  Your dentist can tell if  you grind your teeth frequently by examining your molars for unnatural  smoothing of the surfaces.  Fortunately, it is not hard to treat TMJ.</p>
<p>How is temporomandibular joint dysfunction treated, and how can I  prevent TMJ?  TMJ is easily treated with anti-inflammatories, heat, or  icing.  To prevent this common disorder from coming back, try to be  aware of times when you are clenching your teeth.  In some cases, an  overnight mouth guard may be necessary to prevent temporomandibular  joint disorder.  TMJ disorder is best prevented by relaxing the jaw  joint.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>TMJ Dentist Review</title>
		<link>http://myclickingjaw.com/tmj-dentist.html</link>
		<comments>http://myclickingjaw.com/tmj-dentist.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:26:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>myclickingjaw-com</dc:creator>
		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://myclickingjaw.com/.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are experiencing severe discomfort or pain in your jaw, or if you have frequent unexplained headaches or ear pain, there is a good chance that a TMJ dentist can help. TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a common condition that sounds complicated, but it can actually be treated quite easily. The TMJ is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_54" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-54" title="TMJ Dentist" src="http://myclickingjaw.com/files/2010/12/tmj_dentist-300x246.jpg" alt="TMJ Dentist" width="300" height="246" /><p class="wp-caption-text">TMJ Dentist</p></div>
<p>If you are experiencing severe discomfort or pain in your jaw, or if  you have frequent unexplained headaches or ear pain, there is a good  chance that a TMJ dentist can help.  TMJ, or temporomandibular joint  disorder, is a common condition that sounds complicated, but it can  actually be treated quite easily.  The TMJ is the joint on either side  of your jaw that enables you to open and close your mouth.  You can feel  this complex, triangular formation of bone and soft tissue by pressing  your fingers to your face just in front of your ears.  Because this is  the most often moved joint in the body, it is subject to a great deal of  stress.  Continuous gum chewing, eating hard foods, even holding the  phone with your chin and shoulder can place strain on the muscles and  bones that make up the TMJ.  After years of wear and tear, chronic pain  can result.  An even more common source of TMJ pain is bruxism, the  medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth (mainly in your  sleep).  This common reaction to stress is mostly unconscious, so that  in most cases you are not even aware you are doing it.  If you  frequently wake up with stiffness or discomfort in the jaw, earaches,  headaches or facial pain, chances are that you have a TMJ disorder.  A  dentist who specializes in TMJ pain can help to cure the pain and  prevent it from returning later on.</p>
<p>How can TMJ doctors diagnose joint pain in the jaw?  In most cases,  your description of the symptoms and a physical examination can  determine whether a TMJ disorder is the cause of your jaw pain.  An MRI  is helpful if your doctor suspects soft tissue damage in the  temporomandibular joint.</p>
<p>How can a TMJ specialist help to stop my joint pain?  A specialist in  jaw pain can recommend the best treatment for your discomfort.  Hot or  cold compresses can relieve pain and inflammation, and ibuprofen or  naproxen are helpful for relieving swelling and aches in the jaw and  face.</p>
<p>Where can I find TMJ specialists who can help me?  Our TMJ  professionals can show you how to relieve the pain of sore jaw joints  and how to prevent it from coming back.  With years of experience in the  dental field, we have the knowledge and expertise to treat any case of  TMJ disorder.</p>
<p>What is the best way to prevent jaw pain from occurring?  If you have  jaw pain, try to be aware when you are clenching your teeth or grinding  them.  A TMJ dentist can design a fitted mouth guard to stop you from  grinding your teeth in your sleep.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Grinding Teeth Guide</title>
		<link>http://myclickingjaw.com/grinding-teeth.html</link>
		<comments>http://myclickingjaw.com/grinding-teeth.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:24:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>myclickingjaw-com</dc:creator>
		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://myclickingjaw.com/.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you find yourself waking up in the morning with an aching jaw, facial pain or frequent headaches, the problem may be due to grinding teeth while you sleep. Jaw clenching and grinding of teeth (a condition known as bruxism) at night is a common reaction to stress or anxiety; you may even do this [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you find yourself waking up in the morning with an aching jaw,  facial pain or frequent headaches, the problem may be due to grinding  teeth while you sleep.  Jaw clenching and grinding of teeth (a condition  known as bruxism) at night is a common reaction to stress or anxiety;  you may even do this while you are awake without being aware of it.  If  you grind teeth habitually, whether at night or during your waking  hours, you may end up with what is known in the medical field as  temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ.  TMJ is caused by stress on  the jaw joint and inflammation of the surrounding tissue.  Patients with  this disorder may experience headaches, pain in the facial area, ear  aches, and soreness or stiffness of the jaw.  TMJ may also cause  clicking sounds in the jaw, or you may have difficulty opening your  mouth fully.  In some cases, opening your mouth wide (in order to yawn,  for example), your jaw may temporarily lock in place.  If you have  chronic pain in your jaw, it is recommended that you see your dentist.   TMJ can be diagnosed by a physical exam, where your dentist will palpate  your jaw joints; in some cases, an MRI may be useful to detect inflamed  tissue.  While this condition can cause a great deal of discomfort,  treatment is fairly simple and straightforward; by learning to be aware  when you are clenching your teeth, you can train yourself to relax your  jaw and prevent TMJ from recurring.</p>
<p>How can I prevent teeth grinding mouth pain?  In order to prevent  sore jaws, you will need to learn to relax your jaw.  Whenever you  become conscious of clenching your mouth, relax your jaw with your mouth  slightly open.  Find ways to manage your stress, so that you are not  frequently grinding your teeth.  An overnight mouth guard can be useful  to prevent grinding teeth night problems while you sleep and help to  alleviate jaw pain.</p>
<p>What is the best way to stop teeth grinding permanently?  Stress  management and relaxation techniques are the best way to help your body  cope with daily stress and stop yourself from clenching your jaw.  You  should also avoid hard foods and gum chewing, which can cause pain in  the jaw joint as well.  If you are not sure whether you grind your teeth  at night, your dentist can tell by examining the surfaces of your  teeth.</p>
<p>What are the common methods for treating TMJ?  Treatment for TMJ is  fairly straightforward.  You may use hot or cold compresses, and  anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen are helpful for reducing swelling  and easing the pain.  If you have constant pain from grinding teeth, try  to learn to stop yourself from clenching your jaw while you are awake,  and find a way to help yourself deal with stress.</p>
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		<title>Clenching Teeth</title>
		<link>http://myclickingjaw.com/clenching-teeth.html</link>
		<comments>http://myclickingjaw.com/clenching-teeth.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:22:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>myclickingjaw-com</dc:creator>
		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://myclickingjaw.com/.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you notice yourself clenching teeth or grinding them during stressful moments, you may be at risk for a common jaw problem known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ. This uncomfortable condition affects the joints of the jaw and the surrounding soft tissue, causing pain, stiffness, and a variety of other symptoms. The temporomandibular joint [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you notice yourself clenching teeth or grinding them during  stressful moments, you may be at risk for a common jaw problem known as  temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ.  This uncomfortable condition  affects the joints of the jaw and the surrounding soft tissue, causing  pain, stiffness, and a variety of other symptoms.  The temporomandibular  joint is a complex construction consisting of a ball and socket joint  and its surrounding connective and muscle tissue.  It can be felt on  either side of the face, in front of the ears, as a triangular  projection that moves when you open or close your mouth.  When you  clench your jaw tightly or grind your teeth (which often happens while  you are sleeping), you place stress on the joint; over time, this can  lead to chronic pain in the jaw, headaches, and ear pain.  You may also  have trouble opening your mouth fully, or it may lock when you yawn or  try to open your mouth wide.  Many people with TMJ disorder experience  clicking or other noises when they move their jaws.  Your doctor can  diagnose this painful condition by a physical examination and a  description of the symptoms; in some cases, an MRI may be useful in  detecting damage to the soft tissue around the joint.  If TMJ disorder  is behind your joint pain, there are treatments available that can help.   Along with treating the pain, you can learn to prevent the condition  from recurring.</p>
<p>How can I stop myself from clenching teeth at night?  If you wake up  in the morning with soreness in your jaw, a headache, or facial pain,  you may be grinding your teeth while you sleep.  An overnight mouth  guard can help to keep your teeth in alignment and stop you from  grinding while you are sleeping.</p>
<p>How can I treat the pain in my jaw from clenching grinding teeth?   Habitual teeth clenching and grinding can lead to chronic pain and  discomfort in your jaw.  It is helpful to relax your muscles by keeping  your mouth slightly open whenever possible; anti-inflammatories such as  ibuprofen can help to ease the pain.</p>
<p>What is the best method to stop clenching teeth and relax my jaw?   Many people clench or grind their teeth unconsciously when they are  stressed.  To get rid of this habit, it is helpful to try to be aware of  when you are doing this and to deliberately relax your jaw muscles  whenever you catch yourself doing it.</p>
<p>What is the most common cause of jaw soreness?  Jaw pain is often  caused by excessive pressure or stress on the jaw joint.  Gum chewing or  eating hard foods can lead to joint pain in the jaw; the most common  source of pain is clenching teeth while sleeping.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Jaw Pain Journal</title>
		<link>http://myclickingjaw.com/jaw-pain.html</link>
		<comments>http://myclickingjaw.com/jaw-pain.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:21:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>myclickingjaw-com</dc:creator>
		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://myclickingjaw.com/.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you have persistent jaw pain, and you can’t figure out why? If you have a jaw that feels constantly sore or stiff, you may have a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ. This term actually refers to a group of disorders of the joints of the jaw, which can result in muscle [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Do you have persistent jaw pain, and you can’t figure out why?  If  you have a jaw that feels constantly sore or stiff, you may have a  condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ.  This term  actually refers to a group of disorders of the joints of the jaw, which  can result in muscle pain, headaches, ear aches, and clicking or grating  noises.  The temporomandibular joint is a complex ball-and-socket  formation; you can feel it on either side of your face, directly in  front of your ears.  If you press your fingers down, you will feel a  triangular shape which moves when you open and close your mouth.  This  is the most often used joint in the body, so it is subject to constant  movement and stress.  Overuse and strain on the muscles can cause  soreness, discomfort and pain.  Joint irritation and damage can be  diagnosed via a physical exam or an MRI (most often used to detect  soft-tissue damage).  If you believe you may have a TMJ disorder, you do  not have to endure the discomfort indefinitely. There are simple  treatments which can help, and you can learn to prevent the condition  from recurring.</p>
<p>How does clenching jaw muscles cause TMJ?  When you clench your jaw  or grind your teeth (which often occurs without you being aware of it  when you are stressed), you can cause strain on the muscles and other  soft tissue of your jaw, resulting in facial pain, headaches, and  earaches.</p>
<p>What is causing my sore jaw?  If you have pain in your jaw, it could  be the result of TMJ.  Constant gum chewing, hard foods, clenching and  grinding of teeth, stress, and even using your head and shoulder to hold  onto a phone can over-tax the muscles and bones of your jaw joint,  leading to chronic pain.</p>
<p>What are the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder?  Signs of  TMJ include headaches, facial pain, pain in the ears, and soreness or  stiffness of the jaw.  You may hear clicking noises when you move your  mouth; your jaw may lock open, or you may not be able to open it all the  way.</p>
<p>Is a clicking jaw a sign of TMJ?  If you hear clicking or grinding  when you chew or otherwise open and close your mouth, this can indicate a  TMJ disorder.  The clicking may or may not be accompanied by pain or  stiffness, and you may experience difficulty chewing or yawning.</p>
<p>How can I get rid of the pain of TMJ disorder?  In order to  successfully treat jaw soreness, you will need to allow your mouth to  rest, slightly open, whenever possible to relax the muscles.  Ice packs  and ibuprofin can help relax the muscles and relieve jaw pain.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>TMJ Treatment Options</title>
		<link>http://myclickingjaw.com/tmj-treatment.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:19:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>myclickingjaw-com</dc:creator>
		
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		<description><![CDATA[If you have problems with jaw pain that does not go away, chances are that you need to find a TMJ treatment that can banish the pain for good. TMJ disorder (short for temporomandibular joint disorder) actually refers to a number of problems that can cause pain and stiffness in the joints of the jaw. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you have problems with jaw pain that does not go away, chances are  that you need to find a TMJ treatment that can banish the pain for  good.  TMJ disorder (short for temporomandibular joint disorder)  actually refers to a number of problems that can cause pain and  stiffness in the joints of the jaw.  The human jaw consists of a top and  bottom section which is joined by the temporomandibular joints on each  side.  Because this is the most-used joint of the body, stress injuries  and other discomforts are extremely common.  If you wake up in the  morning with stiffness or soreness in your jaw itself, or pain in your  ears or face, or even a headache which occurs frequently for no apparent  reason, it is possible that you have a TMJ problem.  The most common  cause of this problem is bruxism, or habitual grinding and clenching of  the teeth while sleeping.  A large number of people have the habit of  grinding their teeth while sleeping; this unconscious action is a  product of stress in our daily lives.  Many people even clench their  teeth during the waking hours without being aware of it.</p>
<p>What is the best treatment for TMJ pain?  When you have pain and  swelling in the jaw, it can cause extreme discomfort; you use your jaw  more than any other joint in the body.  To relieve TMJ pain, try a hot  or cold compress, or take some ibuprofen (a non-steroidal  anti-inflammatory drug).</p>
<p>Are there any TMJ treatments which can prevent pain in the jaw  joints?  To prevent recurring TMJ pain, try as much as possible to be  conscious of times when you may be clenching your jaw.  Grinding or  clenching the teeth can cause jaw pain; if you find yourself doing this,  relax your jaw deliberately with your mouth open.</p>
<p>Where can I learn more about TMJ pain treatment?  Our TMJ pain  specialists can help you to evaluate your jaw pain and understand the  probable causes.  We have the experience and expertise to determine what  is causing your jaw pain and help you to prevent it from recurring.</p>
<p>What are the common symptoms of TMJ?  There are a variety of symptoms  which may indicate temporomandibular disorder.  You may experience  headaches, jaw pain, or earaches; facial pain is also a common symptom.   If you experience clicking or other noises in your jaw, this may be an  indication of TMJ as well.</p>
<p>What causes TMJ disorder?  The most common cause of TMJ is bruxism,  the clenching or grinding of teeth while sleeping.  Other causes include  gum chewing and consumption of foods that require a great deal of  chewing.  Your dentist can give you helpful suggestions for  TMJ  treatment.</p>
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		<title>All About TMJ</title>
		<link>http://myclickingjaw.com/</link>
		<comments>http://myclickingjaw.com/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:13:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>myclickingjaw-com</dc:creator>
		
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		<description><![CDATA[I have just been diagnosed with TMJ. What is this painful condition, exactly? Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is actually a classification of a group of disorders of the jaw joint. This complex joint is located on each side of the head, where the upper and lower jaws come together. It is formed as a ball-and-socket type [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I have just been diagnosed with TMJ.</p>
<p>What is this painful condition, exactly?</p>
<p>Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is actually a classification of a  group of disorders of the jaw joint.  This complex joint is located on  each side of the head, where the upper and lower jaws come together.  It  is formed as a ball-and-socket type construction; you can feel the  traingular shape of the joint when you place your fingers on the side of  your head directly in front of your ears and move your jaw up and down.   Disorders of the temporomandibular joints may consist of headaches,  stiffness of the jaw, ear pain, clicking sounds when moving the jaw up  and down or side to side, and locking of the jaw.  There are a number of  factors which can lead to one of these disorders:  Teeth grinding or  clenching of the jaw, especially while sleeping, can cause stiffness and  ear pain; constant gum chewing can also stress the muscles and  cartilage of the jaw joint.  Misaligned teeth can contribute to joint  discomfort, and repeated stress such as that caused by holding the  telephone between the shoulder and the head can cause pain in the jaw,  as well.  Anxiety and emotional stress can cause unconscious clenching  of the jaw, which is a leading cause of this uncomfortable disorder.   Focusing on the underlying causes can often contribute to relieving the  pain of TMJ jaw disorder and help patients to prevent it from recurring.</p>
<p>What are the common symptoms, and how is it diagnosed?  TMJ pain can  be commonly felt as a headache or pain in the facial area.  About half  of patients with temporomandibular joint problems have pain in their  ears, and many report tinnitus, or ringing in the ear.  Clicking sounds  may be heard upon moving the jaw, and in some cases, the jaw may lock in  one position.</p>
<p>How can I avoid this uncomfortable disorder?  You can help yourself  to avoid this painful condition by avoiding the most common causes of  what is TMJ.  Try not to overuse the jaw by habitually chewing gum, and  wear mouth guards at night to prevent tooth grinding.  Take appropriate  steps to manage stress, and relax your jaw with your teeth apart when  you notice that you are clenching due to excessive stress.</p>
<p>What are the most effective treatments for TMJ symptoms?  Treatment  and pain management for temporomandibular joint disorders are fairly  straightforward.  It is important to rest the jaw by consciously keeping  the mouth slightly open, to recognize when you are grinding or  clenching your teeth, and to avoid hard or chewy foods for awhile.  TMJ  soreness can be treated with heat or ice, as well as anti-inflammatories  such as naproxen or ibuprofen.</p>
<p><strong>Dental Research:</strong> <a title="The tmj association" href="http://www.tmj.org/">The tmj association</a></p>
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