What Is TMJ
The temporomandibular joints are the joints on either side of your head that connect your jaw to your skull & allow you to open & close your mouth, chew, & speak. Because it can move in many different directions, these joints are some of the most complex in your body. Any problems with these joints are also referred to as TMJ disorder or just TMJ.
Symptoms of TMJ
Symptoms of TMJ can include:
- Jaw clicking, popping, or locking
- Headaches or earaches
- Pain when the mouth is opened widely
- Tenderness of jaw muscles
The cause of your TMJ can determine which or how many of these symptoms you have. At most dental checkups, your dentist or dental hygienist will check for tenderness in your jaw muscles to see if TMJ might be present.
Causes of TMJ
TMJ does not always have an apparent cause, but there are a few common possibilities for the origins of a TMJ problem:
- Injury or dislocation
- Teeth clenching (often from stress)
- Arthritis
- Poor tooth or jaw alignment
How Can a Dentist Help?
While many people probably think of dentists as just teeth doctors, we can’t treat you properly without looking at your mouth as part of a system. That system definitely includes your temporomandibular joint. A dentist can help diagnose your TMJ disorder and& may also refer you to a physician or a specialist dentist for further diagnosis.
Because TMJ can be caused by tooth & jaw alignment problems, there are dental treatments that may help. Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist for treatments like braces, which can help realign the teeth & the jaws so that your mouth can close in the proper position. Treatment from an orthodontist can alleviate TMJ symptoms in many cases.
If your TMJ symptoms result from teeth grinding or clenching, your dentist may recommend that you wear a custom dental appliance. Often called a bite plate or a splint, this appliance prevents your upper teeth from grinding against your lower teeth. In addition to alleviating TMJ symptoms, this bite guard prevents wear on your teeth from grinding, which can lead to other problems.
Other treatments for TMJ include using hot and cold packs, taking anti-inflammatory and/or muscle-relaxing medications, or learning relaxation techniques to reduce tension in your jaw muscles. In certain rare cases, TMJ may require jaw surgery to correct.
If you are concerned that you may have symptoms that indicate TMJ, please speak with your dentist. We want to get you relief from pain and discomfort as quickly as we can!