If you have any pain or discomfort in your mouth or jaw, your dentist can help. One source of pain or discomfort can be caused by TMJ disorder. This is a common problem that affects many people of various ages, but usually is most common among women and men between the ages of 20 and 40. Dentists help their patients with a variety of issues related to the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Dental problems can be caused or affected by:
- poor hygiene
- poor diet
- genetics
- environmental factors
- age
What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint. This is the hinge joint that connects your lower jaw to the temporal bone of your skull, which is right in front of your ear on each side. The TM joint is flexible and allows your jaw to move around to smile, chew, talk, and perform other facial actions. Muscles that are connected to your TM joint help facilitate movement and flexibility as you move your jaw into different positions. TMJ disorders can be caused by an injury to the head or neck, such as whiplash from a car accident. Other potential causes are:
- Constant grinding or clenching of the teeth
- Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis in the TM joint
- Stress (can cause unconscious clenching or tightening of jaw and facial muscles)
- Dislocation
Sometimes the cause of TMJ can be difficult to figure out, but it can usually be traced back to issues with the jaw muscles or parts of the TM joint.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
There are a variety of symptoms associated with TMJ disorders. Some symptoms are more painful or noticeable than others. Some people have symptoms that are constant, while others experience temporary sensations of pain or discomfort. The most common symptoms include:
- Swelling or pain on either or both sides of the face
- Limited jaw motion
- A stuck or locked feeling in your jaw
- Pain in the TM joint area or face, your neck or shoulders, or in either ear
- Tired feeling in your facial muscles
- Discomfort while chewing or difficulty chewing
- Popping or clicking sounds in the jaw joint while chewing or opening your mouth
Many other people experience headaches, toothaches, neck aches, hearing issues, and shoulder pain.
Treatment of TMJ Disorder
There are a variety of treatments for this disorder, ranging from simple at home remedies to surgery. Beginning with the most basic of treatments, those who suffer from TMJ can apply hot or cold packs to either side of their face. Stretching exercises for your jaw can help loosen tight muscles. Eating soft foods or food cut into smaller pieces can help ease the discomfort of chewing while you’re experiencing TMJ symptoms. Ibuprofen can be taken for pain relief. Laser therapy is available to help reduce pain and inflammation, as well as to help your jaw regain its original range of motion. A splint or a night guard can keep you from grinding your teeth at night. These devices also correct your bite.
Corrective dental treatments are also available to ease the underlying causes of TMJ disorders. If you suffer from TMJ, contact our office and see how we can help relieve your pain and discomfort.
