Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ or TMD)
The temporomandibular joint attaching the jawbone to the skull is the most used in the human body. It allows the mouth to open and close for eating, speaking, chewing, breathing, and laughing. It can move up, down, back, forth, and side to side. This nearly constant use of an extremely complex network of muscles and ligaments surrounding a ball and socket joint can lead to painful complications that affect its movement and function. These issues are collectively labeled as temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMD, although some people refer to them as TMJ, which is the name of the joint.
Symptoms of TMD
When the temporomandibular joint becomes inflamed or irritated, it can trigger various symptoms that limit movement and cause joint damage. These symptoms can include:
- Teeth clenching or grinding (this may be a symptom or a cause)
- Morning jaw pain or stiffness
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Pain when chewing
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Misaligned bite
- Difficulty tearing food
- Pain in the back teeth that is not wisdom teeth
- Migraines or chronic morning headaches
- Chronic pain around the eyes or cheekbones
- Chronic earaches
- Worn-down teeth on one side
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Difficulty sleeping
- A jaw that feels like it is “stuck” or “locked” in place
These symptoms, left untreated, can worsen and lead to anxiety, depression, broken teeth, and other complications. If you have any of the above symptoms for more than a few weeks, you should see a dentist for proper evaluation of the joint.
Diagnosis of TMJ Disorder
A complete evaluation by your dentist is necessary to treat TMJ Disorder properly. This comprehensive process includes checking your jaw joints and muscles for tenderness, popping or clicking, and range of motion. X-rays are usually taken and reviewed, and a digital image of your teeth may be taken to determine how your teeth fit together. This thorough evaluation ensures that the causes of your TMJ disorder are accurately identified.
Temporary Relief of TMJ Pain
Finding lasting relief from TMJ usually requires treatment by a dentist or TMJ specialist. However, you can take steps to relieve pain or stiffness temporarily. If your TMJ is bothering you, try these solutions until you can be seen by a dentist specializing in TMJ Disorders:
- Gently massage the joint.
- Take Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen to reduce inflammation.
- Apply warm, moist compresses to the sides of the face for 15-20 minutes, repeating as needed.
- If warm compresses do not help, try ice packs for 15-20 minutes at a time with 15-20 minutes in between.
- Stretch the joint by opening and closing the mouth slowly several times.
- Avoid gum, caramels, or anything that requires significant chewing.
- Sleep on your back to avoid shifting your jaw out of alignment.
Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Treating TMJ Disorder can be difficult because of the complexity of the issue. There may be more than one underlying cause that needs addressing. Among the options for treatment are:
- Physical Therapy: To improve range of motion, reduce pain, and loosen tight muscles. This is an ongoing process that requires dedication.
- Steroid Injections: Steroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain for several weeks.
- Botox Injections: These injections can temporarily relax or paralyze specific muscles, and block pain signals to the brain for 3-4 months.
- Oral Appliances: Dentists can create customized oral splints to address the cause of your TMJ. Depending on the individual’s needs, the oral appliance may prevent teeth grinding, stabilize the jaw, or prevent the jaw front from sliding too far forward or backward while sleeping.
- Surgery: Orthognathic (jaw) surgery is a last resort after all other options have failed to bring relief. This invasive surgery repositions or replaces part of the jaw and requires months of physical therapy after a lengthy healing process. However, the results last a lifetime.
If you have symptoms of temporomandibular joint syndrome, it’s crucial to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Early intervention makes treatment simpler and more effective.