TMJ

Understanding TMJ

What is TMJ and how does it affect your health?

Do you sometimes experience jaw pain or headaches that just won’t go away?
Have you ever felt a clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth?

If so, you might be dealing with TMJ disorder. Let’s dive into what TMJ is, how it can impact your dental health, and what you can do about it.

One of the most common jaw disorders is related to a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, allows your upper and lower jaw to open and close, and facilitates chewing and speaking.

Other TMJ symptoms

TMJ can be displayed in various ways. The symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some signs include:

Headaches or migraines
Jaw pain or tenderness
Locking of the jaw, making it difficult for you to open or close your mouth
Aching pain around your ear
Pain in your neck or shoulders
Pain or difficulty you may have while chewing
Tooth Sensitivity
Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you move your jaw

These symptoms can be anywhere from painful to minor irritations but any of them can affect your daily life and overall well-being.

What are possible causes?

There are many reasons and not all of them are known yet. These are a few of the causes that can contribute to this disorder, including:

Stress: High-stress levels can cause you to clench and tighten your jaw muscles, leading to TMJ problems.
Bruxism: Clenching and grinding your teeth, often during sleep when you are not aware of it.
Injury: Getting hit in the jaw or head.
Arthritis: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can cause issues.
Misalignment: Teeth misalignment or an improper bite can strain on the jaw muscles.

Your dentist will try to find the underlying cause which can help with your treatment and relief.

How to manage

While TMJ can be a problem that comes and goes, there are a few ways to manage and help the symptoms. Here are some practical tips:

Use a Mouth Guard: If you clench or grind your teeth at night, a custom-fitted mouth guard can protect your teeth and reduce pressure. These can be purchased over the counter or custom-made.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Non-prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications with ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage the pain.
Stress Management: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress and muscle tension.
Jaw Exercises: Your dentist might suggest gentle exercises that can strengthen your jaw muscles.
Avoid Hard Foods: Symptoms can be aggravated by chewing on hard or sticky foods. Avoid these to help with pain and the triggering of symptoms.

When you should see your dentist

TMJ disorders can impact your dental health and peace of mind. The discomfort and pain can make it hard to eat and also to keep up with a good oral hygiene routine. If you can’t open your mouth very much or it hurts to brush and floss your teeth, you will end up with cavities and gum disease. Additionally, clenching and grinding associated with TMJ can wear down your teeth, causing them to become sensitive, chipped, or cracked.

All of this can be a real pain. Understanding the condition and what can cause it, then taking steps to manage and alleviate symptoms, will help you take care of the problem.

If you have jaw pain or other TMJ symptoms, it’s important to call our office to set up a consultation. Your dentist at Mid Cities Dental can figure out the cause and recommend treatment.