TMJ disorder affects the joint connecting your jaw to your skull. It causes pain, clicking sounds, and difficulty moving your jaw. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and dental interventions that can bring relief and restore normal function.
According to the NIH, 34% of the general population experiences TMJ disorders. If you've ever felt a sharp pain in your jaw or heard clicking when you chew, you're not alone. This common condition affects millions of people worldwide, but the good news is that help is available.
Understanding what causes this condition and knowing when to seek help can improve your comfort and quality of life. You need to spot the symptoms of TMJ disorder and know when it's time to visit your dentist for relief.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Temporomandibular joint disorders refer to a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. The Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) categorizes disorders into two main groups:
- Pain-Related Disorders: Discomfort from the muscles and tissues around the joint, often caused by clenching or stress
- Intra-articular Disorders: Mechanical problems inside the joint itself, such as a displaced disc or arthritis
Identifying the correct category is important for effective treatment. Management strategies will also vary depending on the type of TMJ disorder you have.
Where Is TMJ Pain Located?
TMJ disorder pain shows up in several places around your face and head. The pain centers on the joint itself, right in front of your ears. However, it doesn't stop there.
You may feel discomfort in your jaw muscles, especially when you chew and talk. This pain can spread to your cheeks and temples.
Some people describe it as a dull ache that persists. Jaw pain relief starts with pinpointing exactly where your discomfort originates.
What Medical Conditions Cause TMJ Disorder?
Several health conditions can trigger TMJ disorder. Understanding these causes of TMJ disorder helps you identify your risk factors.
Jaw Injuries
Jaw injuries top the list. A broken jaw or dislocation can damage the joint. If you have a facial injury from a car accident or have a face-related sports injury, you may have a TMJ disorder.
Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Bruxism puts constant pressure on your jaw joint. A lot of people grind their teeth at night without realizing it. The habit can wear down your joints over time.
Arthritis in the Jaw
Arthritis in the jaw breaks down the cartilage that cushions your joint. As per the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, arthritis affects approximately 1 in 4 U.S. adults, making it the second most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can target the TMJ.
Misaligned Bite
A misaligned bite means your teeth don't fit together properly. It forces your jaw into awkward positions. Over time, this strain damages the joint.
Stress
Stress that causes jaw tension creates a vicious cycle. When you're stressed, you clench your jaw, and the tension leads to pain. The pain creates more stress.
When to See a Dentist for TMJ Pain
Knowing when to see a dentist for TMJ disorder can help prevent your condition from worsening. Book an appointment when you notice:
- Pain that lasts more than two weeks
- Difficulty eating or speaking
- Swelling around your jaw joint
- A sudden change in how your teeth fit together
- Jaw clicking that comes with pain
- Limited ability to open your mouth wide
You should call your dentist if your jaw locks in an open or closed position. Since it's a dental emergency, you will need professional help to restore normal movement.
Do You See an ENT for TMJ?
You may wonder if an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor should treat your TMJ disorder. The answer depends on your symptoms and what your dentist finds.
Start with your dentist. Dentists receive specific training in jaw disorders and understand how your teeth, jaw, and joints work together. Most TMJ disorder treatment options begin in the dental office.
Your dentist may refer you to an ENT specialist if:
- Ear symptoms dominate your complaints.
- You have hearing problems or severe tinnitus.
- Dizziness accompanies your jaw pain.
- Sinus issues complicate your condition.
A team approach works best. Many patients benefit from seeing multiple specialists. Your dentist will coordinate with other specialists when needed. They will ensure you get comprehensive treatment that addresses all aspects of your condition.
How Does a Dentist Tell If You Have TMJ?
Diagnosing TMJ disorder involves several steps. Your dentist uses both hands-on examination and your medical history to reach a diagnosis.
The dental check-up starts with questions about your symptoms. Your dentist will want to know when the pain started. They'll also ask you about clicking sounds and jaw locking.
Physical examination comes next, and the doctor does the following:
- Feels the joint while you open and close your mouth
- Checks for clicking, popping, or grinding sounds
- Measures how wide you can open your jaw
- Tests your bite alignment
- Looks for signs of teeth grinding
Imaging tests help confirm the diagnosis. X-rays show the bones and joint structure, while CT scans provide detailed 3D images. Your dentist will also recommend an MRI scan to reveal soft tissue damage and disc problems.
The dentist may also check for trigger points in your jaw muscles. These tender spots indicate muscle involvement. A comprehensive exam can take about 30 minutes.
How to Treat TMJ Pain
TMJ disorder treatment options range from simple home remedies to advanced procedures. When you find the right treatment option, you can enjoy a pain-free and healthy smile.
Start With Simple Home Remedies
Most people find relief with conservative treatments. Here are self-care measures that work well:
- Apply ice packs for 10 minutes to reduce swelling
- Use moist heat to relax tight muscles
- Eat soft foods to give your jaw a rest
- Avoid chewing gum and tough, chewy foods
- Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing
- Gently massage your jaw muscles
Home care forms the foundation of TMJ disorder treatment. If your TMJ pain is mild, they can bring significant relief.
Professional Dental Treatments
When home care isn't enough, visit your dentist. They will offer dental treatments that target the root cause of your TMJ disorder.
A custom mouth guard protects your teeth from grinding. Unlike store-bought versions, a custom guard fits perfectly. You will wear it while sleeping to prevent night-time clenching that damages your jaw joint.
Physical therapy exercises strengthen weak jaw muscles. Your professional dentist will teach you specific movements that improve jaw mobility and reduce pain. You'll have to do them several times daily.
Medications also provide temporary relief while other treatments work. Anti-inflammatory drugs will help reduce swelling and pain. Your dentist may also prescribe muscle relaxants if tension is severe.
Advanced Treatment Options
Some cases require more intensive intervention, like doing a minimally invasive TMJ arthrocentesis. Your dentist will remove inflammatory fluid from your joint using small needles to help reduce pressure and improve movement. If you have severe structural damage or complete joint failure, you may require surgical correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Treat TMJ During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy brings unique challenges for TMJ disorder management. Hormonal changes can worsen jaw pain.
Safe treatment options focus on non-medication approaches. Prenatal massage can relieve jaw tension. Ask your massage therapist to focus on your jaw and neck muscles.
Talk to your dentist about pregnancy-safe mouth guards. These devices protect your teeth from grinding. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, especially in the third trimester.
How to Tell If It's TMJ or an Ear Infection?
Distinguishing between TMJ disorder and an ear infection can be tricky. Both cause ear pain and discomfort, but key differences help you tell them apart.
Ear infections come with specific signs, such as drainage from your ear. Fever often accompanies pain that doesn't change with jaw movement. You will also experience hearing loss or muffled sounds.
TMJ disorder pain changes when you move your jaw. The pain spreads to your jaw and face, and you'll hear clicking or popping sounds. However, you won't experience fever or ear drainage.
Can TMJ Cause a Sinus Infection?
The connection between TMJ disorder and sinus infections isn't straightforward. TMJ disorder itself doesn't directly cause sinus infections. However, the two conditions can influence each other.
TMJ disorder can create sinus-like symptoms. The temporomandibular joint sits very close to your sinuses. Inflammation in the joint can feel like sinus pressure. You may experience facial pain and congestion without having an actual infection.
Sinus infections can worsen TMJ disorder. The pressure from swollen sinuses affects your jaw joint. Coughing and sneezing strain your jaw muscles, creating a painful cycle.
Get Relief From TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder doesn't have to control your life. Knowing the signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder is the first step toward feeling better. Whether you're dealing with jaw pain or difficulty chewing, help is available.
At The Lakes Family Dental, we combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to deliver exceptional results. Our team earned the prestigious BBB Mary G. Moad Ethics Award, recognizing our unwavering commitment to ethical treatment and outstanding patient care. We use advanced diagnostic tools like the DIAGNOdent system and CEREC® technology to accurately diagnose and treat TMJ disorder with minimal discomfort and high success rates.
Contact us today and take the first step toward a pain-free tomorrow.
