You may have heard people say that they “have TMJ.” When your own jaw started to ache, perhaps you began to wonder if you also have this problem. But what exactly is a TMJ disorder, and what symptoms are associated with it? Let’s discuss these important questions and talk about how your dentist may be able to help you find relief from a painful jaw.
What Is a TMJ Disorder?
TMJ simply stands for “temporomandibular joints.” These are the joints that connect your mandible (the lower jaw) to the rest of your skull. We all have two “TMJ’s” and, like our knees or shoulders, they work very well most of the time. But if something goes wrong, we can develop a disorder of our TMJ. These disorders are more properly called Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD). TMD is a general term that refers to many different issues that stop these joints from functioning properly.
TMD is an extremely common problem. In fact, an estimated 10 million – 30 million Americans suffer from it. It is common enough that some dentists limit their scope of practice to treating TMD. Sadly, though, it is often misdiagnosed because dentists, physicians, chiropractors, and physical therapists do not fully understand this condition. Moreover, the symptoms it produces can sometimes cause referred pain (pain in areas other than the jaw) and mimic other conditions, which may lead to an incorrect diagnosis. Temporomandibular Dysfunction may not only be difficult to diagnose, but it may also be difficult to treat. It is often resistant to treatment efforts and may require a team effort involving dentists, physicians, chiropractors, and physical therapists. Dentists have in-depth knowledge of the temporomandibular joints and the teeth these joints control, and are thus best qualified to recognize and orchestrate treatment of TMD.
Symptoms of TMD
Other than jaw pain, some of the most common symptoms of TMD include:
- Jaw popping and clicking
- Pain in the facial muscles
- Neck pain
- Hearing problems
- Back pain
- Shoulder and neck pain
- Headaches
- Limited and/or painful jaw movement
- Dizziness
- Difficulty chewing
Many of these symptoms occur because problems with the TMJ place extra stress on nearby structures, such as the neck and back. They may also occur because of an issue that is causing both TMD and other symptoms. For example, a stressful lifestyle or poor posture can cause jaw problems and affect other areas of the body as well.
Finding Relief from TMD
The best way to treat TMD depends on what is causing the problem. Some common TMJ therapies include:
- A nightguard. Bruxism (teeth grinding) places extra stress on the TMJ. A custom-made nightguard from a dentist can stop the bruxism and help the jaw to relax.
- Stress relief. Finding healthy ways to cope with and/or cut back on stress can relieve muscle tension and reduce TMD symptoms.
- Surgery or orthodontics. Sometimes, a structural defect in the teeth or jaw leads to TMD. Correcting a misaligned bite or repositioning the jaw may be the best way to combat this disorder.
- Improved posture. Learning how to sit and stand properly can reduce pressure on your TMJ.
When you visit your dentist to talk about TMD, they’ll ask you questions about your symptoms and your daily activities that might be contributing to the problem. Then, they can recommend a treatment plan that will help you find relief from the daily pain and inconvenience of an aching jaw. Hopefully, it won’t be long before your smile is back to feeling its best.
About the Author
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington has been practicing dentistry for over 30 years; he has spent the last 16 years serving Castle Rock and the surrounding communities. If you suspect you have TMD, he would be pleased to evaluate your condition and suggest a therapy that may be able to bring you relief. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about Dr. Kennington and his services, contact Cowlitz River Dental at 360-274-9100.