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Problems with your temporomandibular joint are all referred to as TMJ. In other words, “TMJ” is a simplified way to categorize painful, annoying, and potentially worsening conditions in the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. So how do you know if you have TMJ? Read on to learn more about TMJ, including common signs and symptoms.
TMJ Disorders: What to Know
Conditions affecting the TMJ are also known as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). The most common disorders affecting this joint are caused by:
- Chronic pressure on the joint from grinding your teeth (bruxism)
- Inflammation and degradation of cartilage in the joint (arthritis)
- Joint derangement (dislocated disc in the joint, etc.)
While stress and anxiety have not been conclusively shown to cause problems with the TMJ, studies show that increased levels of stress and anxiety may increase your likelihood of grinding or clenching your teeth. This ongoing pressure can irritate the joint, causing what is known as myofascial pain. Myofascial pain is pain felt in the face, neck, shoulders, and jaw.
Treating TMJ pain due to teeth grinding often includes wearing an oral appliance (night guard) when you sleep. Treatments for myofascial pain caused by clenching the muscles may also include Botox injections. Your oral surgeon may also prescribe muscle relaxing medication. You may also need to switch to a soft foods diet until the pain subsides.
The TMJ is just as susceptible to pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, as any other joint. Not surprisingly, many of the treatments, such as corticosteroid injections, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and icing the jaw may help reduce the pain.
If the source of your TMJ pain is due to derangement of the joint, your dentist will likely send you to an orthognathic and maxillofacial surgeon. Surgical procedures that may be required to treat severe joint derangement may include replacing the disc in the joint or replacing the entire joint.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Though TMJ affects each person a little bit differently, the symptoms of a problem in the temporomandibular joint are similar. They range from annoying, but painless symptoms to difficulty opening the mouth and severe pain.
- Popping, grinding, or clicking sound when you speak or chew
- Feeling as though the jaw is locking
- Difficulty opening your mouth widely
- Pain in the muscles of the jaw that may radiate to the cheeks, neck, and shoulders
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Excessive wear and tear on the teeth (typically diagnosed by your dentist)
- Pain in the joint
- Difficulty chewing
- Pain when chewing
- Pain behind your eyes
- Ear pain
- Dizziness
- New tooth sensitivity with no apparent cause (tooth decay, gum disease, etc.)
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, notify your dentist as soon as possible. Most patients will respond to conservative non-surgical treatments. But you should be seen by a specialist for accurate diagnosis and development of a treatment plan.
TW Orthodontics believes that every patient deserves the highest standard of dental care and provides dental treatment in four convenient locations.
