Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, also known as TMD, is a condition that affects the jaw muscles and nerves. TMJ is typically caused by injury or inflammation to the temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull.
An injured or inflamed temporomandibular joint typically causes pain when chewing, as well as clicking, crackling, or popping of the jaw. Other signs of TMJ include:
- Ear pain
- Ringing or popping sounds in your ears
- Headaches and migraines
- Blurred vision
- Tight, stiff, or sore jaw or neck muscles
- Muscle spasms in the jaw
- Facial pain, mouth pain, jaw pain, or cheek pain
- Numbness or tingling of your chin
- Pain at the base of your tongue
- Pain, swelling, or a lump in your temple area
- Difficulty chewing
- Shoulder pain
- Locking or dislocation of the jaw
- Dizziness or vertigo
Risk Factors for TMJ
There are many risk factors for TMJ. If any of the following factors relate to you, you are at an increased risk for developing TMJ:
- Poor posture in the neck and upper back leading to neck strain and abnormalities of jaw muscle function
- Muscle tension and jaw clenching triggered by stress
- Women 18-44 years old
- Patients with other chronic inflammatory arthritis
- People with jaw trauma or poorly positioned teeth
- People with a genetic predisposition to pain, sensitivity, and increased stress responses
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
Unfortunately, medical professionals and experts don’t completely understand the causes of TMJ. There are several factors that contribute to muscle tension and dysfunction. While the following causes may not lead directly to TMJ, they are often related to the disorder:
- Misalignment of the teeth or jaw
- Injury or trauma to the teeth or jaw
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Poor posture
- Stress or anxiety
- Arthritis and other inflammatory disorders
- Orthodontic braces
- Excessive gum chewing
How is TMJ Disorder Treated?
Many symptoms of TMJ disorder can be relieved with home remedies. If you are experiencing mild symptoms, try one of the following remedies for some relief:
- Ice or cold packs placed on the area
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and acetaminophen
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewing gum
- Massage your jaw and neck muscles
- Relaxation techniques and stress management
If home remedies aren’t effective, medical intervention may be necessary. At Beautiful Dentistry, we have seen great success in reducing symptoms and relieving pain caused by TMJ. Some of the treatments that have proven to be successful include:
- Bite guard
- Physical therapy
- In severe cases, dental surgery or jaw surgery
If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ, let us help. Call Beautiful Dentistry today at 480-568-1204 to speak with one of our dental experts. We can get you scheduled for a consultation so that we can properly diagnose and treat your condition and get you on the road to recovery in no time.
Call Beautiful Dentistry today at 480-568-1204 or contact us online for an appointment in Tempe, AZ.
