TMJ disorders occur when there is a problem with your temporomandibular joint, also known as TMJ. The TMJ is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull in a hinge like fashion. Having a TMJ disorder can greatly impact your life by affecting your ability to chew, yawn, and even speak comfortably. The symptoms for TMJ disorders can vary in severity from case to case and there are many possible causes. However, based upon your exact case, it is likely that your dentist will be able to offer some assistance.

The Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

You may have a TMJ disorder if you are experiencing symptoms such as tenderness or pain in your jaw or an aching pain around your ear or the side of your face. Difficulty chewing along with pain and discomfort while chewing are also common symptoms with a TMJ disorder. You may also notice a clicking, grinding, or popping in your jaw while eating or speaking. Occasionally, those who suffer from TMJ disorders will notice a limited range of motion and find it difficult to open or close their mouth.

If you are experiencing persistent symptoms as described above, of if you are unable open or close your jaw completely you may want to consult someone such as Mark Levy DDS for diagnosis and treatment options.

Causes of TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint acts as a hinge with a sliding action. A small disk separates the bones of the joint, which are covered in cartilage. This disk helps to keep the movement of your jaw smooth and fluid. TMJ disorders are caused when the disk moves out of alignment, erodes, or is damaged by impact. This joint can also be affected by arthritis. While these are the most common causes of TMJ disorders, there are still many possible causes. Most of the people affected by these disorders are women between the age of 20 and 40, though TMJ disorders can occur at any age.

If you suspect that you may be suffering from a TMJ disorder, you will want to consult with your dentist to have them rule out any other possibilities before beginning on your treatment plan. Be sure to provide your dentist with as much information as possible. It’s helpful for them to know when the pain started, if you notice that it’s worse at any specific times, and how persistent the pain is. Your dentist will then check your jaw and observe its range of motion. They may apply pressure around the joint area to determine which places are most painful.

Depending on how the exam goes, your dentist may recommend X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI for more detailed information.

Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders

For many people, TMJ disorders are a mild inconvenience that they live with. In some cases, the symptoms go away without any treatment plan. However, if the symptoms don’t cease, then your dentist can recommend a treatment plan for your specific case.

If your symptoms seem to come and go, your dentist may recommend medication to assist with your comfort during the flare up of your TMJ disorder. Pain relievers, muscle relaxers, and sedatives can all help to treat TMJ disorders. Pain relievers help with the immediate pain, while muscle relaxers can help relax the muscles in the area. Sedatives can help you sleep more restfully at night, which is a great treatment option for people who grind their teeth or clench their jaw frequently at night.

There are also treatment options for TMJ disorders that do not involve medications. For example, your dentist may recommend using a bite guard while you sleep or occasionally during the day if you have a stressful job. Physical therapy options can also be a treatment for TMJ disorders. These typically include exercises and stretches to strengthen the jaw along with using moist heat and ice.

For severe cases, your dentist may suggest more aggressive treatment options. Arthrocentesis is a medical procedure in which needles are inserted into the joint to inject fluid in hopes to rinse away any debris. Corticosteroid injections directly into the joint can also be helpful in treating TMJ disorders. If these, and other treatments aren’t effective then your dentist may offer surgery as a last resort. Surgery is typically only used to treat TMJ disorders when there is something structurally wrong with the joint. Since this may not be a solution to the problem, it is only practiced as a last resort for the patient.

Preventing TMJ Disorder Flare Ups

If you do suffer from a TMJ disorder, there are many things you can do to help minimize discomfort. The first being that you learn to recognize activities that may be causing your TMJ disorder, such as grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. Avoid chewing on non-food items such as pencils. Avoiding hard, difficult to chew foods will also help prevent a flare up. Things such as gum, taffy, and jerky, can all contribute to your discomfort.

It’s important to keep your dentist informed on what is working for you and what is not working. This will allow them to create or modify a treatment plan that will work better for your specific case. Together you will be able to find the treatment options that are able to provide you with the highest quality of life.

If you have any questions about TMJ disorders including symptoms, causes, treatments, or prevention, please contact Mark Levy, DDS.