Just like any other joint in the body, your jaw’s temporomandibular joints (TMJ) can get injured or experience problems. People who grind and clench their teeth, also known as bruxism, can damage the TMJ by placing extra stress on it. It can lead to pain, limited chewing function, & other dental problems. Read on to learn more about TMJ and how a dentist can help.
Causes
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect the skull to the jaw and are responsible for all mouth movement, including chewing, speaking, and smiling. When this joint becomes damaged or misaligned, it can cause jaw pain and discomfort, impacting everyday activities. Fortunately, the best doctor for TMJ can address these symptoms in several ways and help patients experience pain-free lives. Many factors can lead to TMD, which is most commonly caused by teeth grinding or clenching (also called bruxism). Stress can also be a factor in TMD as it can result in overuse of jaw muscles and clenching of the teeth. Over time, the clenching can wear down the tooth enamel and make the jaws sensitive to the point of causing TMD. Other medical conditions can also result in TMD, such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. These diseases cause widespread pain throughout the body, particularly “trigger points,” including the jaw or neck areas.
For most patients, conservative TMJ treatment is adequate to reduce symptoms and enhance jaw function. It includes over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, ice packs, and gentle jaw exercises to reduce swelling and relax jaw muscles. A custom mouthguard can help reduce clenching and grinding, and your dentist may recommend restorative dental work like crowns or bridges to correct the bite or even dental implants if needed to restore function to the jaw. Alternative options like biofeedback and acupuncture can help train the jaw to relax.
Symptoms
If you have pain in the jaw area, a clicking or popping sound when you open and close your mouth, or trouble chewing on one side, you may have TMJ. An X-ray of your mouth, including the temporomandibular joints, may be required for diagnostic purposes by your dentist. Your dentist may recommend specific lifestyle changes to ease your symptoms. After your symptoms subside, consume soft foods requiring little to no chewing and avoid extreme jaw movements (such as large yawns, clenching, or grinding) and gum or ice chewing.
Medications may also help. Muscle relaxants, anxiety medications, or analgesics may be prescribed by your dentist, depending on the underlying cause of your TMJ. They can also help reduce inflammation with a particular type of dental treatment called occlusal equilibration, which involves selective reshaping of the biting surfaces of your teeth to eliminate deflective interferences and allow your lower jaw to close properly into position within the temporomandibular joint socket. Symptoms like tmj can lead to complications like limited chewing function and a misaligned bite that increases wear and tear on your teeth. See a dentist if you have these symptoms to get proper treatment and prevent more damage.
Diagnosis
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge that connects the lower jaw to your skull just in front of each ear. It allows you to move your jaw up and down, side to side, and chew. However, you can experience pain and discomfort when this joint becomes dysfunctional. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments available for TMJ disorders. These range from self-care practices to medical interventions and can help you manage your symptoms and prevent complications. TMJ disorder is usually a combination of factors, including misalignment, jaw stress, and tooth grinding. You can often identify TMJ issues by noticing symptoms like jaw clicking or popping and tenderness when you touch the area. Other indicators include difficulty opening and closing your mouth quickly or swallowing. It’s essential to see a doctor if you think you have TMJ. They will diagnose the problem by asking questions, performing a physical examination, and using diagnostic tools like digital X-rays, CT scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
In most cases, TMJ treatment options are non-surgical. Their purpose is to lessen discomfort and edema while enhancing the functionality of your jaw. Medications may be prescribed, such as antidepressants or muscle relaxants. You can also use moist heat or ice packs to relieve inflammation. Some dentists also recommend oral splints or mouth guards to reduce jaw strain. Surgery is reserved for severe cases when conservative measures fail.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options available for people with TMJ, from avoiding certain foods to alternative therapies. In many cases, non-surgical treatments can help reduce pain and discomfort. However, surgery may be necessary in severe cases. To diagnose TMJ, your dentist will physically examine your jaws and the surrounding area. They will also ask you questions. It allows them to rule out other potential causes, such as sinus problems, arthritis, or gum disease. They may then take X-rays or other diagnostic imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to better view your jaws and temporomandibular joint.
In addition to recommending some at-home treatments, your dentist may recommend specific therapies like a mouth guard or oral splint to ease the stress on your TMJ. They may advise orthodontics to correct your bite and improve jaw function or a restorative dental procedure such as a crown or bridge. Your dentist will also advise you on a healthy diet and lifestyle to minimize your TMJ’s stress. It includes limiting chewing on hard foods, avoiding big yawns or loud speech, and avoiding chewing on your fingernails, ice, or other objects. They may also suggest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or, in severe cases, a class of drugs known as antidepressants.
