TMJ Facts You Should Know

Do you wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or pain when chewing? Do you hear popping or clicking sounds when you open or close your mouth? These symptoms can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but you're not alone. Many people experience jaw pain or discomfort but aren't sure what's causing it or how to find relief.

Fortunately, there are a variety of possible causes for jaw pain, and treatments available to help manage your symptoms. For some people, jaw pain may be caused by a dental problem, such as an abscessed tooth or gum disease. Others may experience jaw pain due to injury or trauma to the jaw or face. But for many people, jaw pain is a result of an issue with their temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Fortunately, a TMJ specialist in Solana can address this problem by developing a treatment plan that works.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ

What Is TMJ?

As mentioned earlier, TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. It's located on both sides of your head, in front of your ears. The TMJ is responsible for allowing your jaw to move up and down, side to side, and forward and backward. It's a complex joint that is made up of several parts, including the bones, ligaments, and muscles that surround it.

What Is TMD?

TMD or temporomandibular disorder is a condition that affects the TMJ and the muscles that control jaw movement. It's a broad term that encompasses a range of conditions that can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Moreover, this common condition affects millions of people worldwide.

What Are the Symptoms of TMD?

The symptoms of TMD can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but common symptoms include:

• Jaw pain, stiffness, or tenderness
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Difficulty opening the mouth wide
• ‍Headaches‍
• Earaches
• Ringing in the ears
• A feeling of "locked" or "stuck" jaw

What Causes TMD?

Although the exact causes of TMD are not fully understood, it's believed to be a combination of factors that can contribute to the condition. Here are some of the most common causes of TMD:

Injury or Trauma to the Jaw

TMD can be caused by an injury or trauma to the jaw, such as a blow to the face or a car accident. This can cause damage to the jaw joint or the muscles and ligaments surrounding it, leading to TMD symptoms.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints, including the temporomandibular joint. Arthritis can lead to damage to the cartilage in the joint, causing pain and difficulty moving the jaw.

Teeth Grinding or Clenching

Bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching, is a common cause of TMD. The repeated pressure and motion of grinding or clenching can cause inflammation and damage to the muscles and joints in the jaw, leading to TMD symptoms.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can be contributing factors to TMD. When you are stressed, you may unconsciously clench or grind your teeth, putting pressure on the jaw muscles and joints. Additionally, stress can lead to muscle tension and inflammation, which can exacerbate TMD symptoms.

Poor Posture

Poor posture can contribute to TMD by putting strain on the muscles and joints in the neck and jaw. This can cause muscle tension and inflammation, leading to pain and stiffness in the jaw joint.

Dental Problems

Dental problems, such as an uneven bite or missing teeth, can contribute to TMD. These issues can cause a misalignment of the jaw, leading to increased pressure on the jaw joint and muscles.

It's important to note that TMD can have multiple contributing factors, and what causes TMD in one person may not be the same as what causes it in another person. A healthcare professional can help diagnose the underlying causes of your TMD and develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your symptoms.

How Is TMD Diagnosed?

Healthcare professionals, such as dentists, oral surgeons, or primary care physicians can diagnose TMD. Here are some common methods used to diagnose TMD:

Medical History

Your healthcare provider will ask you about your medical history and any symptoms you are experiencing. They may also ask you about your lifestyle habits, such as whether you grind your teeth or have a history of stress and anxiety.

Physical Examination

A physical examination of your jaw and the muscles surrounding it can help diagnose TMD. Your healthcare provider may ask you to open and close your mouth, move your jaw from side to side, and bite down to assess the range of motion in your jaw.

Imaging Tests

X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be ordered to get a more detailed look at the jaw joint and surrounding structures. These tests can help diagnose problems such as arthritis, joint damage, or structural abnormalities. ‍

Diagnostic Tests

Your healthcare provider may perform additional diagnostic tests to assess the function of your jaw muscles and nerves. For example, they may use electromyography (EMG) to measure the electrical activity in your jaw muscles.

Referral

In some cases, your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist, such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, for further evaluation and treatment.

There’s no single test to diagnose TMD, and the diagnostic process may involve a combination of methods. Your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on the underlying causes of your TMD symptoms.

Can TMD Cause Vision Problems?

While TMD does not directly cause vision problems, it can indirectly contribute to symptoms such as eye strain or fatigue. Tension or pain in the jaw and neck can cause tension headaches or eye strain, which can lead to blurry vision or difficulty focusing.

The muscles in the jaw and neck are closely connected to the muscles in the head and face, and tension or inflammation in these muscles can cause referred pain or discomfort in other areas of the body, including the eyes. In some cases, TMD can also cause facial muscle spasms, which may affect the muscles around the eyes and lead to visual disturbances.

Additionally, stress and anxiety, which can contribute to TMD symptoms, can also cause visual disturbances such as blurred vision or tunnel vision. These symptoms are typically temporary and will resolve once the stress or anxiety is addressed.

If you are experiencing visual disturbances or changes in vision, it's important to seek prompt medical attention to rule out other underlying conditions. While TMD can contribute to visual symptoms, other medical conditions such as migraines or neurological disorders can also cause visual disturbances.

Can TMD Cause Dizziness?

Yes, TMD or temporomandibular disorder can cause dizziness or vertigo in some cases. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located close to the inner ear and is responsible for balance and equilibrium. Inflammation or pressure in the jaw joint can affect the balance and equilibrium of the body, leading to feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness.

TMD-related dizziness may also be caused by tension or inflammation in the muscles of the head and neck. These muscles are closely connected and work together to control movement and balance. Tension or pain in the muscles of the head and neck can lead to dizziness or a feeling of being off-balance.

In addition, TMD-related dizziness may be related to stress or anxiety, which can contribute to TMD symptoms. Stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension, including in the muscles of the jaw and neck, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness.

Can TMD Cause Neck Pain?

Yes, TMD can cause neck pain due to the close connection between the muscles in the jaw and neck. The muscles that control jaw movement and chewing are closely connected to the muscles in the neck, and tension or inflammation in these muscles can cause referred pain or discomfort in the neck.

When the jaw joint is not functioning properly, it can cause the muscles in the jaw and neck to work harder to compensate for the dysfunction. This increased workload can lead to muscle tension or fatigue in the neck muscles, leading to pain, stiffness, or discomfort.

TMD can also cause changes in posture or alignment, which can contribute to neck pain. For example, if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in the jaw joint, you may subconsciously adjust your posture or head position to alleviate the discomfort. These changes in posture can put extra strain on the neck muscles, leading to pain or stiffness.

How Can I Prevent TMD?

While not all cases of TMD can be prevented, especially if the condition is caused by underlying medical conditions or joint problems. However, taking the following steps may help reduce your risk and promote overall jaw health:‍

Practice Good Posture

Poor posture can put extra strain on the muscles and joints in the neck and jaw, leading to TMD symptoms. To prevent TMD, make an effort to sit and stand up straight, keeping your shoulders back and your head in line with your spine.

Reduce Stress

Stress and anxiety can cause you to clench or grind your teeth, putting pressure on the jaw muscles and joints. To prevent TMD, try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help reduce stress and tension.

Avoid Chewing Gum

Chewing gum can put a lot of strain on the jaw muscles and joints, especially if you chew gum for long periods of time. To prevent TMD, limit your gum chewing or avoid it altogether.

Use Proper Technique When Eating

Eating hard or tough foods can also put extra strain on the jaw muscles and joints. To prevent TMD, try to cut your food into smaller pieces and chew slowly and carefully. Avoid opening your mouth too wide when eating, as this can put extra strain on the joint.

Get Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups can help identify and treat dental problems that can contribute to TMD, such as an uneven bite or missing teeth. Be sure to visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.

Wear a Mouthguard

If you grind or clench your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth and reduce the pressure on the jaw joint.

Can TMD Go Away on Its Own?

In some cases, TMD or temporomandibular disorder can go away on its own without treatment, particularly if the condition is caused by a temporary factor such as stress or a minor injury. However, it's worth noting that TMD is a complex condition with a variety of underlying causes, and whether or not it will go away on its own depends on the specific cause and severity of the condition.

For example, if your TMD is caused by stress, you may be able to reduce your symptoms by practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as improving your posture or avoiding hard foods that require a lot of chewing may also help reduce your symptoms.

However, if your TMD is caused by a more serious underlying issue such as joint damage or arthritis, it is less likely to go away on its own and may require medical treatment. Similarly, if your TMD symptoms are severe or persistent, it's important to seek medical attention to prevent further damage to your jaw and teeth.

It's also worth noting that even if your TMD symptoms do go away on their own, they may come back if the underlying causes are not addressed. Therefore, it's important to address any contributing factors to your TMD symptoms, even if they seem to have resolved on their own.

How Is TMD Treated?

The treatment for TMD can vary depending on the underlying causes and severity of the condition. Here are some common treatments for TMD:

Pain Medication

Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used to help manage pain and inflammation associated with TMD.

Muscle Relaxants

Muscle relaxants may be prescribed to help relax the muscles in the jaw and reduce tension and pain.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be helpful in managing TMD symptoms by improving jaw mobility and reducing pain and inflammation. Physical therapy techniques for TMD may include stretching and strengthening exercises, massage, and heat or ice therapy.

Lifestyle Changes

Making lifestyle changes such as improving posture, reducing stress, and avoiding hard or chewy foods may help reduce TMD symptoms.

Medications for Anxiety or Depression

If TMD symptoms are caused or exacerbated by stress or anxiety, medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.

Surgery

In severe cases of TMD, surgery may be recommended to repair or replace the jaw joint or correct structural problems that are causing the condition.

Dental Treatments

Dental treatments such as orthodontics or dental restorations may be recommended to treat TMD caused by dental problems such as an uneven bite or missing teeth.

Injections

In some cases, injections of corticosteroids or Botox may be used to help reduce pain and inflammation associated with TMD.

Mouthguards

Wearing a custom mouthguard, especially at night, can help protect the teeth and reduce the pressure on the jaw joint. Mouthguards can be helpful for TMD caused by bruxism.

Can TMD Be Related to a Dental Issue?

Yes, TMD may stem from dental issues, such as the following:

Teeth Grinding or Clenching

As mentioned, bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching, can cause TMD symptoms such as jaw pain and stiffness. Dentists can help treat bruxism by fitting the patient with a custom mouthguard to wear at night, which can help protect the teeth and reduce the pressure on the jaw joint.

Uneven Bite

An uneven bite, or malocclusion, can cause TMD symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty opening the mouth. Dentists can help treat an uneven bite by using orthodontic treatments such as braces or clear aligners to reposition the teeth and improve the alignment of the bite.

Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can cause TMD symptoms by altering the alignment of the jaw and putting extra pressure on the remaining teeth. Dentists can help treat missing teeth by using dental implants, bridges, or dentures to replace the missing teeth and restore the alignment of the jaw.

How Long Does TMD Last?

The duration of TMD can vary widely depending on the underlying causes and the effectiveness of treatment. In some cases, TMD may resolve on its own without treatment, while in other cases, it may be a chronic condition that requires ongoing management.

Acute TMD episodes may last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. These episodes may be triggered by factors such as stress, teeth grinding, or an injury to the jaw or face. In these cases, the symptoms of TMD may require pain medication, lifestyle changes, oral appliances, or orthodontic treatments.

Chronic TMD, on the other hand, can last for months or even years. Moreover, chronic TMD is often associated with underlying medical conditions such as arthritis or joint damage and may require more comprehensive treatment such as physical therapy or surgery.

The duration of TMD may also be influenced by the patient's adherence to treatment recommendations. For example, if a patient is prescribed physical therapy or a mouthguard and does not use it consistently, their symptoms may persist or worsen.

Looking for a TMJ Specialist in Solana?

You don’t have to force yourself to keep living with jaw pain and discomfort. At Inspire Smiles, we want you to get the treatment you need today and start feeling comfortable again. Contact us today if you’re ready to get started.