TMJ syndrome occurs when the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connecting your jaw and your skull becomes injured or damaged in some way. The joint and the muscles surrounding the joint must all work seamlessly together in order to create the smooth gliding hinge motion that allows our jaws to operate efficiently. When this joint and the surrounding muscles are not functioning properly then you may experience varying degrees of discomfort and pain. Common causes of TMJ syndrome include trauma to the face or jaw, improper alignment of the teeth or jaw, tooth grinding, jaw clenching, arthritis, stress, poor posture, and repetitive motions such as chewing gum.

Symptoms of TMJ Syndrome

When many people begin to experience TMJ syndrome symptoms, they’re typically pretty mild. The primary symptom that people notice is pain in the temporomandibular joint. This may also present as ear pain due to the joint’s proximity to the ear. In some cases, people suffering from TMJ syndrome have said that they experience pain in other parts of their face and neck as well including the eye and forehead. Some people have also reported headaches from TMJ syndrome, blurred, vision, pain or swelling at the temple area, and shoulder pain.

Most of the time, the pain caused by TMJ syndrome is accompanied by a popping, clicking, or grinding feeling in the jaw. Others have reported crackling, ringing, or popping noises in their ears. These sensations can be anywhere from mildly annoying to extremely painful. In more extreme cases of TMJ syndrome, dislocation or locking of the jaw has been reported.

Diagnosing TMJ Syndrome

There is no test designed to diagnose TMJ syndrome. However, your doctor or dentist can evaluate your symptoms and come to a diagnosis and treatment plan based on the severity of your case. If your doctor or dentist does not feel comfortable diagnosing TMJ syndrome or if they are worried that you may have a different underlying issue, they may refer you to the offices of Mark Levy DDS, or another specialist for diagnosis and to rule out any other severe issues.

Depending on the pain intensity and other symptoms, your medical professional may request that you undergo additional testing such as X-rays, a CT scan, or even an MRI. These tests can help your medical provider see the cartilage in your joint to determine the extent of the damage while ruling out other conditions.

Treating TMJ Syndrome at Home

Most people who suffer with TMJ syndrome have mild symptoms and are treated at home by making small adjustments to their everyday life. Stress reduction techniques have been known to reduce symptoms of TMJ syndrome along with relaxation methods. These two therapies help relax the jaw and surrounding muscles. Your health care professional can provide you information about massaging and stretching the area to help with pain management and strengthening the surrounding jaw muscles.

Most people who suffer from TMJ syndrome report that their symptoms come and go. In response, your medical professional may recommend using a moist heat or an icepack to help reduce swelling and pain. Over the counter medicine can also be used for pain management during a flare up of TMJ syndrome.

Your dentist or doctor may also recommend that you stop chewing gum, taffy, jerky or anything else that can really put a lot of stress and pressure on your jaw. It is also recommended to avoid chewing on any non-food objects for both the wellness of your jaw and your teeth.

Other Treatments for TMJ Syndrome

When home remedies and lifestyle changes aren’t enough to prevent and manage your TMJ syndrome symptoms, your medical professional may suggest using a dental splint. This is a dental appliance which you will place in your mouth. The splint will help keep your teeth and jaw in proper alignment and prevent tooth grinding and jaw clenching.

Arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure that may help people who have severe TMJ syndrome and aren’t able to get relief with any other methods. During this procedure, the joint will be examined internally by inserting a small tube that contains lenses and fibers. This allows your medical professionals a better look at the joint and any underlying causes. It also provides them with the opportunity to flush out the joint and any debris. It takes most people only about a week to recover from this procedure.

In extremely severe cases of TMJ syndrome, jaw or dental surgery might be necessary. Surgery for TMJ syndrome is typically only done as a last resort due to the fact that it is not effective for everyone. If this is the route that you and your doctor feel is best, then they will be able to describe the procedure in detail.

For those people who do suffer from TMJ syndrome, prevention is much better than treatment. You can lower your risk of having a TMJ syndrome flare up by avoiding excessively chewy foods including gum, practicing relaxation and destressing techniques, staying on top of your physical therapy, maintaining correct posture, and using any dental appliances given to you by your medical professional.

If you have any questions about the symptoms for TMJ syndrome or the treatment options, please call Mark Levy DDS.