What is TMJ?
Do you have pain or discomfort in your jaw? Do you have a difficult time chewing? If this sounds familiar, then you may have TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. With November being TMJ month, now is a better time than ever to check the health and comfort of your jaw.
You may be wondering what TMJ is and how it affects the individual. The temporomandibular joint acts as a hinge to connect your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, which are located in front of each ear. This movement is pivotal in being able to move your jaw around to talk, chew, and yawn.
Many individuals have problems with this joint, which is where the name of the disorder, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, came from. This disorder causes discomfort and sometimes pain, and can even require surgery in extreme cases.
Approximately 12% of the US population or 35 million people in the US are affected by TMJ, with more than 3 million new cases occurring per year. With treatments ranging from home remedies and medication to surgery and physical therapy, the pain and discomfort associated with the disorder does not have to continue.
What Causes TMJ?
The actual cause for someone to have TMJ is somewhat difficult to determine. Genetics could play a big factor, as well as previous injuries to the face or jaw. Additionally, teeth misalignment, teeth grinding and arthritis have been linked to TMJ, and a combination of the causes can result in discomfort and extreme pain.
In regards to discomfort, the temporomandibular joint combines a hinge action with a sliding motion. If the cartilage is damaged by arthritis when the bones and joints interact, the individual will experience soreness that should be addressed by a medical professional.
Symptoms of TMJ
There are numerous symptoms of TMJ, most of which are associated with some sort of irregular pain or discomfort of the jaw. The main symptoms are listed below:
- Pain/tenderness of the jaw
- Aching pain in or around the ear
- Aching facial pain or difficulty chewing
- Clicking or locking of the jaw
- Headache
- Muscle spasms
Home Treatment Options
There are numerous temporary remedies to help with the ailing of TMJ. Most cases of TMJ can be combated or minimized this way, however, there is no single cure to the disorder and treatments vary based on each individual depending on the severity and complexity of the disorder. Colgate and The TMJ Association list the following as effective home treatments:
- Over-the-counter pain medication: Ibuprofen or any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug can be effective in the temporary relief of jaw discomfort.
- Applying moist heat or ice to the face/jaw area to eliminate muscle spasms: If one is experiencing muscle spasms, applying heat or ice to the affected area can help neutralize and reduce the spasms.
- Wearing a bite splint or bite plate to reduce the harmful effects of clenching and grinding: This custom-fitted guard is fitted over the individual’s upper teeth and keeps them from grinding against the lower teeth. While this is considered a home remedy, an initial visit to a medical practitioner is necessary to create a fit tailored to the individual.
- Eating soft foods can help temporarily relieve jaw pain: This remedy reduces stress on the joints, allowing the jaw to move freely without much resistance.
- Avoiding extreme jaw movements such as gum chewing, yawning, or any other activity that requires a wide range of jaw movement: Minimizing stress and strain on the jaw is important in reducing temporary pain.
While these home treatments are effective for most cases, someone who is experiencing joint or jaw discomfort should always visit a dentist to see what their options are. Do not try and self-diagnose the problem, as this could enhance the severity of the case.
Professional Treatment
We want to reiterate that you should always make sure to visit a medical practitioner if you’re experiencing any sort of pain, discomfort, or locking of the jaw. Avoiding a visit to the dentist could enhance the severity of the disorder, causing one to receive surgery or physical therapy. These professional treatments are mainly focused on more severe cases and are listed below:
- Prescribed Medication
- If over-the-counter medication is not helping with pain, prescribed medication could be an effective alternative to help alleviate the symptoms of TMJ.
- Dental Work
- A dentist may need to balance the biting surfaces and adjust the bite of an individual depending on the severity and cause of the discomfort/pain.
In the most extreme cases, surgery may be required to realign the jaw in order to eliminate the pain associated with TMJ. While these methods can be effective, they are controversial due to no long-term clinical trials on the safety of the procedure, and will be considered a last resort for individuals with extreme cases of TMJ. The most common surgery options are listed below:
- Arthrocentesis is performed on someone with a displaced disk. The procedure involves two hypodermic needles placed into the joint, where it is flushed with a saline solution. The purpose of this procedure is to remove tissue breakdown and reduce inflammation.
- Arthroscopy: A little more complex, this procedure is normally performed in the hospital. Surgeons will look inside the joint to see the source of the problem. Not only will they wash out the joint, but also remove scar tissue and potentially reposition the disk.
Let Us Help You in Florence, SC
If you have any sort of jaw or facial pain, please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment. Our professional team and up to date technology will help you get a better understanding of what is causing the pain as well as an overview of available options.
Set up an appointment or give us a call at (843) 751-4301, and we’ll be sure to assist you in any way possible with your dental needs.