Zoe Ball’s illness: what is TMJ disorder and how is it treated?

Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball, 54, has opened up a few painful jaw situation that she suffers with.

In an Instagram put up to her 739K followers, the radio presenter shared photos of herself earlier than and after a remedy in a London-based clinic and mentioned: “I’ve TMJ and wake most days with terrible complications from pressure and jaw clenching.

“So grateful to Helen @thesculptresslondon for her magic. That is my face after I’ve seen her, try my face earlier than – yikes – image 2.”

The 54-year-old introduced earlier this month she was stepping down from internet hosting Radio 2’s Breakfast present after six years, with Scott Mills set to take over the slot.

Ball shared a photograph of her face tensed earlier than receiving remedy and an after shot of it extra relaxed, saying she was “so grateful” to the clinic which has helped her.

What’s TMJ dysfunction?

“TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge that connects your jaw to your cranium,” explains Dr Rizwan Mahmood, dentist and co-founder of Rüh Dental. “This joint permits important actions like talking, chewing, and yawning and is important for every day features, and points with it might trigger vital discomfort.”

Folks typically mistakenly use TMJ to discuss with the situation, however TMD is the extra correct time period.

“TMJ refers back to the joint itself, whereas TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction) describes the varied situations that may have an effect on the joint and the encompassing muscle tissue,” clarifies Mahmood.

And there are three most important sorts of temporomandibular problems.

“The principle varieties are joint problems (like disc issues within the joint), muscle problems (affecting the chewing muscle tissue) and complications linked to TMD,” pinpointed Anni Seaborne, head of common dentistry at Bupa Dental Care.

What are the signs of TMJ dysfunction?

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“Signs can embody ache within the jaw, ear, neck, or shoulders and a restricted jaw motion or a locked jaw,” says Seaborne. “Folks additionally expertise clicking, popping, or grating sounds when transferring the jaw, complications and feeling like their chunk is misaligned.

“Signs typically enhance on their very own however could worsen with stress, chewing, or grinding.”

Can it result in any problems?

“If left untreated, TMD can result in persistent ache, restricted jaw mobility, and even long-term harm to the jaw joint,” warns Mahmood. “It may well additionally trigger migraines, ear issues, and issue talking or consuming.”

Can or not it’s handled?

“Typically talking, it might subside by itself, with suggestions for managing signs at residence,” says Nyree Whitley, chief medical officer at my dentist. “This may increasingly embody consuming softer meals that are simpler to chew, over-the-counter ache treatment similar to paracetamol or ibuprofen to handle any ache, decreasing habits similar to nail biting, jaw clenching or tooth grinding and making use of a sizzling or chilly compress to the face.

“In some situations, your dentist may also advocate utilizing a mouth guard both at night time or within the daytime to maintain your tooth effectively protected.”

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Nevertheless, if signs persist for greater than three months, surgical procedure could also be thought of.

“In these instances, a specialist could advocate different therapies together with jaw manipulation beneath anaesthesia, muscle relaxant injections or surgical procedure for extreme instances (e.g., repairing or changing the joint),” says Seaborne.