TMJ Disorders: Symptoms & Treatment

Article last updated: June 17, 2023

 

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, its the jaw joint or hinge that connects your bottom jaw to your skull. You have a temporomandibular joint on each side of your jaw; right side, left side.
 
The temporomandibular joint is formed by your temporal bone of your skull, the jawbone, and various jaw muscles. In between the two bones is a small space that contains a disc or cushion that helps provides a smooth, painless motion when you open, close, and move your jaw side to side.

 

 

TMJ vs TMD

TMJ refers to the anatomy of the temporomandibular joint itself. People who experience symptoms associated with the function of the temporomandibular joint are diagnosed and treated for TMD, a temporomandibular joint disorder.
 

 

 

 

TMJ Statistics

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) impacts an estimated 12% of Americans at any given time (source: TMJA Association). Most TMD symptoms are short term can be self managed.

• There is not one single definitive cause for temporomandibular disorders.
• Several studies have concluded that temporomandibular joint disorders impact women more than men.
• Symptoms most often arise from problems associated with the anatomy of the TMJ, the disc between the bone joints, and/or its surrounding muscles.
• Stress and/or injury including whiplash can cause jaw muscles to contract and/or spasm and cause pain.
• People who grind and/or clench their teeth have higher incidence of TMD.

 

 

 

TMJ Signs & Symptoms 

If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, it’s best to schedule a dental examination with your dentist.

• Pain or discomfort opening and/or closing your mouth
• Pain or discomfort while chewing
• Pain or tenderness of your jaw
• Locking of the joint preventing you from opening or closing your mouth
• Facial pain in and around the jaw joint
• Ear ache pain
• Audible click or pop sound when opening or closing in conjunction with pain or discomfort
• Teeth grindingand/or clenching
• Headaches
• Facial muscle tenderness and/or spasms

 

 

TMJ Exam & Diagnosis

During your exam, your dentist will:

• Evaluate your jaw’s range of motion
• Palpate and listen when you open and close your mouth
• Evaluate facial muscles in and around the temporomandibular joint
• Examine teeth for signs of teeth grinding and/or clenching
• Discuss your symptoms and available pain management therapies
• Refer you to a facial pain dentist specialist if necessary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treatment of TMJ Disorders

Home remedies for TMJ symptoms

While there is no definitive cause of TMD disorders, effective stress management and daily exercise are popular recommendations to help alleviate temporomandibular joint discomfort.
 
Why? People who do not manage stress have a higher incidence of teeth grinding and/or teeth clenching habits, both of which cause the facial muscles to tighten and can contribute to temporomandibular joint symptoms.
 
Reduce stress
Exercise and/or meditation
Avoid overextending your mouth to take a bit of food
Avoid eating foods that are extra chewy
Minimize chewing gum

 

 

Medication for TMJ Disorders

Stress is a primary contributing factor of TMJ disorders.

 
Muscles throughout the body tense and tighten and overtime
can lead to painful muscle spasms, teeth grinding and/or clenching of the teeth during sleep, limit your ability to open and close your jaw, tenderness while chewing, and often tension or migraine headaches.
 
Your dentist will also discuss if an over the counter or prescription medication would be beneficial. Medications recommended may include:

• Over the counter pain relievers & anti-inflammatories
• Prescription muscle relaxants

 

 

 

TMJ Therapy

Once your dentist evaluates your temporomandibular joint, he/she can show you various stretches or exercises to help you self manage your symptoms. Your dentist may also recommend to fabricate a custom mouthguard to help prevent teeth grinding and/or clenching during sleep.
 
Most dentists who specialize in the treatment of TMD often include physical therapy in your TMD treatment plan. Additionally,
TMD dentists may also discuss the option to fabricate a custom bite splint.

• TMJ exercises & stretches
• Oral splints or mouth guards
• Use of ice packs
• Physical therapy
• Behavior modification and/or stress management counseling

 

 

 

Alternative Medicine Options to Treat TMJ Disorders

TMJ dentists may also discuss alternative treatment options including acupuncture, chiropractic care, and even order a sleep apnea study. These three disciplines often supplement and are in addition to traditional TMD treatments.
 
TMD symptoms often extend beyond the head. Many of your facial muscles that assist in chewing originate from the neck or shoulder area. These alternative options may help provide additional relief to areas of the body near the head.

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractor
• Sleep apnea evaluation

 

 

 

TMJ Surgery

TMJ specialist dentists will propose surgery after all other treatment options have been explored. Temporomandibular surgery is invasive and results in a long recovery period.

• Arthroscopy
• Jaw Surgery

Please call (763) 586-9988 or click to request an appointment if you or a loved one is experiencing TMJ related symptoms.