TMJ Pain (TMD)

Every time you talk, yawn and chew, you’re using your TMJs. The TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint), is the joint on each side of the head at the base of the skull.

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It connects your lower jaw to your skull. The TMJ is composed of a rounded protrusion of the mandible that sits against an indentation in the skull, and a disc-like structure made of a soft bone called cartilage found in between the two bones (articular disc).

Pain with your TMJ can hurt your jaw and radiate to your neck, face, and head. Unlike other body joints, like your knees, TMJ pain is hard to treat with anti-inflammatory drugs alone. You may need to alternate ice and heat therapy as well.

Like any other joint in your body, your TMJ can be fractured. Grinding and clenching your teeth can cause TMJ pain. When you have issues and chronic TMJ pain, chances are you may have TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder).

Man, toothache or pain in studio with gum problem, cavity or dental crisis by blue background. Mode

There are many signs and symptoms of TMD. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • Pain in the face, jaw, or ear area
  • Headaches (often mimicking migraines), earaches, and pain and pressure behind the eyes
  • A clicking or popping sound when opening or closing the mouth
  • jaw that “gets stuck,” locked or goes out of place
  • Tenderness of the jaw muscles
  • Swelling of the face

 

Here are some issues that can cause TMD:

  • Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis inflammation
  • Overstress from missing permanent chewing teeth
  • Chronic Pain due to bruxing (grinding and clenching teeth in your sleep)
  • A history of jaw injury
  • Specific progressive middle ear or bone diseases

If you think you have TMD, talk to your dental professional. They will do an assessment examining how your jaw joints move, check your teeth and facial muscles for Tenderness as well as signs of teeth grinding and clenching. They may do further tests, including x-rays. Here are some treatment options that your dental professional may consider:

  • Wearing a night guard or bite splint to reduce grinding and clenching
  • Over-the-counter pain-relievers or anti-inflammatory medications
  • Relaxation techniques to help control muscle tension in your jaw
  • Although rare, surgery is sometimes required to correct TMJ problems
  • If the traditional methods have failed, these are some more aggressive treatment options to consider.

For a trusted family dentist, call today.

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