TMJ, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, can significantly interfere with a patient's quality of life. Causing painful symptoms, TMJ may prevent you from eating, sleeping, and relaxing.

If you have TMJ, you may not feel optimistic about your condition. The good news is that your dentist can help you cure TMJ. Several treatment avenues can reduce symptom severity or relieve them altogether.

How TMJ Works

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint. Two of these joints connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. These joints are among the most complex in the human body, with an impressive natural range of motion and function. As sliding hinges, the joints can freely move back and forth, up and down, and side to side.

Symptoms of TMJ

Following are some of the most common symptoms of this disorder:

• Pain in the jaw joints and surrounding area, including the face, ear, temples, and cheeks
• The jaw makes noise when it moves, especially when accompanied by pain
• Painful chewing
• Headaches
• Irritability

Causes of TMJ

TMJ disorder happens when the joints become inflamed due to internal problems or overuse. There are three leading causes of TMJ:

• Jaw injuries such as a car accident or blow to the face
• Arthritis
• Disk problems inside the joint

However, the disorder may not always have a clear cause. Evidence strongly links TMJ to stress and other psychological factors. The connection between TMJ and bruxism (chronic teeth grinding) has not been proven, but many practitioners believe it is a significant contributor.

Treatments for TMJ

Lifestyle Changes

Try to reduce stress as much as possible. When the disorder flares up, eat a softer diet. Avoid broad jaw movements like yawning or singing.

Custom Night Guard

A night guard can protect your jaw muscles from the effects of bruxism and reduce TMJ symptoms.

Oral Appliance Therapy

A custom oral appliance can position your jaws in a relaxed position to prevent aggravating the TMJ joints.

Surgery

If other treatment avenues are ineffective, TMJ surgery can help eliminate discomfort. Surgery is a last resort and is primarily for patients with physical joint damage. Most patients will find significant relief with the above methods.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ

How does stress cause TMJ?

Many patients naturally clench or grind their teeth when they feel stressed. They may also hold their jaw and neck muscles stiffly. Reduced range of movement and overuse of the TMJ joint and surrounding muscles can lead to facial, jaw, and ear pain.

What can I do to stop it?

Many patients feel discouraged when they learn that stress may contribute to their issue, but they can take concrete steps to improve this condition. Meditation, yoga, biofeedback, and talk therapy often help patients feel better.

Call Davis Gribble Hollowwa Dental

If you experience symptoms that could point to TMJ disorder, don't wait to seek treatment. We will gladly meet you and evaluate your issues, recommending effective treatment. Please call our Albuquerque, NM, office at 505-898-1976 to schedule your consultation today.

TMJ syndrome is a painful condition characterized by jaw and facial pain, among other disruptive symptoms. Many patients with active TMJ report that they have difficulty eating, speaking, and relaxing.

TMJ is a complex problem that may easily be confused with other medical issues. A medical diagnosis from your dentist or physician is necessary to relieve symptoms.

About TMJ Syndrome

TMJ is a common acronym for the temporomandibular joint. These joints connect the mandible (lower jaw) to the skull. They are complex sliding hinges that allow a wide range of jaw movements. When these joints become inflamed, they can have far-reaching ripple effects on the body.

Common Symptoms of TMJ

You may experience one or more of these symptoms:

• Jaw pain that may be most bothersome in the morning or late in the day
• Pain in the facial muscles
• Pain that spreads to other areas, including the eyes, back, neck, or shoulder
• Headaches
• Ringing in the ears or earache not caused by an ear infection
• Jaw clicking, grating, and popping, accompanied by pain
• Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
• Teeth clenching or grinding
• Feelings of dizziness
• Altered dental bite
• Depression or eating disorders

Causes of TMJ Syndrome

TMJ does not always have clear causes. The disorder may appear without these typical triggers.

Jaw Injury

Any accident or blow to the face could trigger symptoms of TMJ. Car accidents, sports accidents, and falls could be to blame.

Arthritis

Like any joint, the TMJ may develop arthritis. Arthritis affects the cartilage, bone, and other tissues, causing joint abrasion and deterioration.

Disc Problems

The disc inside the joint may slip out of position or deteriorate.

Stress

Researchers are beginning to understand the deep connection between TMJ symptoms and stress. Stress causes muscle tension and may lead to habits like jaw clenching and teeth grinding. The TMJ may experience overuse, leading to the disorder.

Bruxism and TMJ

Bruxism is one of the most prevalent causes of TMJ disorder. Bruxism is habitual teeth clenching and grinding. This problem causes excess tension in the jaw muscles and joints.

Treatment Methods

Fortunately, your dentist has many effective TMJ treatment options. Most treatment options are supportive and non-invasive, with surgery reserved for extreme cases.

Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliances hold the jaw in a neutral position, allowing the muscles around the joints to relax and relieve pain.

Warm and Cold Compresses

Dentists recommend alternating warm and cold therapy on the jaw and facial muscles, depending on what feels better.

Gentle Stretches

Your dentist can teach you specific stretches to perform to help strengthen and relax your muscles.

Dietary Considerations

When you experience a TMJ flare-up, avoid hard, crunchy, and chewy foods. A softer diet will reduce joint stress.

Stress Reduction

In today's fast-paced world, stress reduction may be difficult to achieve. However, many TMJ patients find relief when they adopt new habits like meditation and yoga.

Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

OTC medications can help to alleviate pain.

Combating TMJ Syndrome

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, be sure to get in touch with us as soon as possible. You don't have to live with the pain, tension, and sleepless nights caused by TMJ. Your dentist will try treatment options until they find something that works for you, and if your condition is severe, you may be a candidate for surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ

Can TMJ go away on its own?

Many patients find that their TMJ symptoms eventually resolve on their own. They may recur at different times, especially if the patient feels stressed. If you have complex symptoms, the condition is unlikely to go away without dental or medical intervention.

My jaw pops and clicks sometimes, but it doesn't hurt. Should I see a dentist for TMJ?

If your jaw makes noise when you chew or open and close your mouth but does not hurt, you are unlikely to have TMJ. However, if the noises go along with pain, you could have the disorder. A dentist can help you determine which jaw symptoms are harmless and which are signs of a potentially severe problem.

Call Davis Gribble Hollowwa Dental

We want to help you overcome your TMJ symptoms. Please call our Albuquerque, NM, office today at 505-898-1976 to schedule a consultation with one of our expert doctors.