Explaining TMJ

Explaining TMJ

March 9, 2020 12:24 pm Published by

The TMJ sits within a complex area of joints, ligaments and muscles that connects your lower jaw to the rest of the skull, and allows you to talk, chew and yawn. The abbreviation is often confused with TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, which is where the joint area stops working properly – causing discomfort and pain. This can happen surprisingly often, with an estimated 10 million Americans alone suffering from the condition.

  • What is TMD?

TMD is the name for a range of conditions – all based around the temporomandibular joint. The joint itself is located either side of your head, just in front of the ear. It sits against a dent in the skull, with discs inbetween that are made of soft cartilage. These inarticular discs cushion the jaw, so you can eat and move your jaws comfortably. The area is surrounded by muscle that helps control movement also. Unfortunately, these joints can become sore and painful, just the same as any other joint in the body. This pain might be a result of a problem with the muscles, the discs, the joints themselves, or a combination of things.

  • Symptoms of TMD

TMD is the name for a range of conditions – all based around the temporomandibular joint. The joint itself is located either side of your head, just in front of the ear. It sits against a dent in the skull, with discs inbetween that are made of soft cartilage. These inarticular discs cushion the jaw, so you can eat and move your jaws comfortably. The area is surrounded by muscle that helps control movement also. Unfortunately, these joints can become sore and painful, just the same as any other joint in the body. This pain might be a result of a problem with the muscles, the discs, the joints themselves, or a combination of things

  • Causes

There are many causes of TMD. A common cause is the cartilage discs between the joints becoming worn, meaning the joint bones rub together. You might have a misalignment inside the mouth, where the overbite does not sit right and teeth grind together, causing stress to the jaw. You might actually have a jaw dislocation, or damage to the jaw caused from outside, such as a blow. Other causes can include conditions like arthritis, where the joints swell. Arthritis of the TMJ however is rare. The simplest explanation is tension, caused by stress. Here the clenching of muscles, even if you’re not aware of it, builds up stress and pressure on the jaws. This is often combines with tooth grinding or bruxism. Sometimes there isn’t a clear cause, and TMD comes and goes without any discernible reason.

  • Diagnosis

Many people experience jaw clicking or popping, and that doesn’t mean it’s TMD! Pain in the area can have many other causes such as a sinus infection. It’s best to consult your dentist rather than self-diagnosing. The dentist will ask about your medical history and examine the area to determine the cause of the condition and its severity. You may need to see a specialist trained in neuromuscular dentistry. Drs. Nicolas & Asp are able to offer this service

  • Treatment

Often, the pain and discomfort will go away of its own accord. In this situation, alternate ice packs and heat can help soothe the pain. If not, your dentist will look to relieve any symptoms first, then treat the underlying cause. Pain can be treated with simple painkillers, or muscle relaxants may help. Surgery is always last resort, and non-invasive treatment is the aim! Your dentist could recommend an oral appliance to stop tooth grinding (it might be as simple as a night time mouth guard), or orthondontic work to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. If teeth have already been damaged by grinding, then dental work such as crowns can help repair that.

  • Self-care

You can also help TMD by taking a few simple steps. Don’t eat very hard or crunchy foods, and use ice packs to relieve periods of pain. Your dentist can recommend small jaw movements that can help relax the jaw and ease any pain-causing tension. If your TMJ is caused by stress – then it may also be time for life style changes. Your dentist will help advise you.

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