What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your mandible (lower jaw) to your skull. The joint can be found on both sides of your head in front of your ears. It allows your jaw to open and close, enabling you to speak and eat.
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This abbreviation has also been used to refer to a group of health problems related to your jaw, but this is becoming more commonly abbreviated as TMD or TMJD to distinguish the temporomandibular joint itself from TMJ disorders. These disorders can cause tenderness at the joint, facial pain, and difficulty moving the joint.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, as many as 10 million Americans suffer from TMJD. TMJD is more common among women than men. These disorders are treatable, but there are many different possible causes. This can make diagnosis difficult.
Keep reading to learn more about TMJD. You should discuss any concerns with your doctor.
What causes TMJ disorder?
In many cases, it’s not known what causes a TMJ disorder. Trauma to the jaw or joint may play a role. There are also other health conditions that may contribute to the development of TMJD. These include:
- arthritis.
- erosion of the joint.
- habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth.
- structural jaw problems present at birth.
There are some other factors that are often associated with the development of TMJD, but they haven’t been proven to cause TMJD. These include:
- the use of orthodontic braces.
- poor posture that strains the muscles of the neck and face.
- prolonged stress.
- poor diet.
- lack of sleep.
What are the symptoms of TMJD?
The symptoms of TMJ disorders depend on the severity and cause of your condition. The most common symptom of TMJD is a pain in the jaw and surrounding muscles. Other symptoms typically associated with these disorders include:
- pain that can be felt in the face or neck.
- stiffness in the muscles of the jaw.
- limited movement of the jaw.
- locking of the jaw.
- clicking or popping sound from the TMJ site.
- the shift in the jaw, changing the way that the upper and lower teeth align (called malocclusion).
Symptoms may show up on just one side of the face, or both.
How is TMJD diagnosed?
TMJ disorders can be difficult to diagnose. There are no standard tests to diagnose these disorders. Your doctor may refer you to a dentist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to diagnose your condition.
Your doctor may examine your jaw to see if there is swelling or tenderness if you have symptoms of a TMJ disorder. Your doctor may also use several different imaging tests. These can include:
- X-rays of the jaw.
- CT scan of the jaw to see the bones and joint tissues.
- MRI of the jaw to see if there are problems with the structure of the jaw.
How is TMJD treated?
In most cases, the symptoms of TMJ disorders can be treated with self-care practices at home. To ease the symptoms of TMJ you can:
- eat soft foods.
- use ice to reduce swelling.
- reduce jaw movements.
- avoid chewing gum and tough foods (like beef jerky).
- reduce stress.
- use jaw-stretching exercises to help improve jaw movement.
You may need help from your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve with these treatments. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe or recommend the following:
- pain medications (such as ibuprofen).
- medications to relax the muscles of the jaw (such as Flexeril, Soma, or Valium).
- medications to help reduce swelling in the jaw (corticosteroid drugs).
- stabilization splints or bite guards to prevent teeth grinding.
- Botox to reduce tension in the muscle and nerves of the jaw.
- cognitive behavioural therapy to help reduce stress.
In rare cases, your doctor may recommend surgery or other procedures to treat your condition. Procedures can include:
- corrective dental treatment to improve your bite and align your teeth.
- arthrocentesis, which removes fluid and debris from the joint.
- surgery to replace the joint.
Procedures used to treat this condition may, in some cases, make your symptoms worse. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks of these procedures.
How can TMJD be prevented?
You may not be able to prevent TMJD from developing, but you might be able to reduce symptoms by lowering your stress levels. It could be helpful to try to stop grinding your teeth if this is an issue for you. Possible solutions for teeth grinding include wearing a mouth guard at night and taking muscle relaxants. You may also help prevent teeth grinding by reducing your overall stress and anxiety through counselling, exercise, and diet.