What is the
Temporomandibular Joint?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint that slides and rotates just in front of your
ear, consisting of the temporal bone (side and base of the skull) and the mandible (lower
jaw). Mastication (chewing) muscles connect the lower jaw to the skull, allowing you
to move your jaw forward, sideways, and open and close.
The joint works properly when the lower jaw and its joint (both the
right and left) are synchronized during movement. Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
may occur when the jaw twists during opening, closing or side-motion movements.
These movements affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control chewing.
What is Temporomandibular Disorder?
TMD describes a variety of conditions that affect jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints,
and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Symptoms may occur on one or both
sides of the face, head or jaw, or develop after an injury. TMD affects more than
twice as many women than men and is the most common non-dental related chronic orofacial
pain.
What Causes TMD?
Normal function for this muscle group includes chewing, swallowing, speech and
communication. Most experts suggest that certain tasks, either mental or physical,
cause or aggravate TMD, such as strenuous physical tasks or stressful situations.
Most discomfort is caused from overuse of the muscles, specifically clenching or grinding
teeth (bruxism).
These excessive habits tire the jaw muscles and lead to
discomfort, such as headaches or neck pain. |
Additionally,
abnormal function can lead to worn or sensitive teeth, traumatized soft tissues, muscle
soreness, jaw discomfort when eating, and temporal (side) headaches.
What TMD Symptoms Can I Experience?
- An earache without an infection.
- Jaw pain or soreness that is more prevalent in the morning
or late afternoon.
- Jaw pain when you chew, bite or yawn.
- Clicking when opening and closing your mouth.
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth.
- Locked or stiff jaw when you talk, yawn or eat.
- Sensitive teeth when no dental problems can be found.
What Can I Do to Treat TMD?
The majority of cases can be treated by unloading (resting) the joint, taking a
non-aspirin pain reliever and practicing stress management and relaxation
techniques. It is important to break bad habits to ease the symptoms. Most
treatment for TMD is simple, often can be done at home, and does not need surgery.
For example, control clenching or grinding during the day by sticking your tongue between
your teeth. If you still experience pain, you may be grinding or clenching your
teeth at night. So see your dentist for a nighttime mouthguard.
Most people will experience relief with minor treatment. More severe cases may be
treated with physical therapy, ice and hot packs, posture training and orthopedic
appliance therapy (splint). Eating soft foods and avoiding chewing gum also help
relax the muscles.
Is TMD permanent?
The condition is often cyclical and may recur during times of stress, good or bad.
As the patient, you should be active in your treatment, by being aware of the causes of
your jaw problems after seeing a dentist for a diagnosis regime. Make routine dental
appointments, so your doctor can check TMD on a regular basis. |
