Top 5 Signs You Might Have TMJ and What to Do About It

Last updated November 4, 2024

November is TMJ Awareness Month: Understanding TMJ Disorders and How to Find Relief

As November rolls in, it’s the perfect time to raise awareness of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ), affecting millions of people yearly. At Neighborhood Dental, we believe in treating TMJ and educating our patients about this often misunderstood condition, helping them find relief and reclaim comfort in their everyday lives. According to Cleveland Clinic, between 5% and 12% of the general adult population have some form of TMJ disorder. Women aged 20-40 are particularly susceptible, though TMJ can impact individuals of all ages.

What is TMJ

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. It enables you to chew, speak, and move your jaw up and down and side to side. A TMJ disorder occurs when there’s a problem with the joint, surrounding muscles, or nerves. This condition is sometimes referred to as TMD (temporomandibular disorder), but many simply know it as TMJ.

Types of TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction)

Healthcare providers classify TMDs into three categories:

Disorders of your jaw joints.
Disorders of your chewing muscles.
Headaches that result from TMD.

What Causes TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders can be caused by a range of factors, including:

Injury or Trauma: An impact or injury to the jaw, neck, or head can affect the TMJ.
Arthritis: Inflammatory diseases like arthritis can lead to wear and tear on the joint.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding or clenching teeth, especially during sleep, is a common contributor to TMJ.
Jaw Misalignment: A misaligned bite or orthodontic issues may strain the joint.
Stress: Emotional stress can lead to jaw tension and muscle strain, impacting the TMJ over time.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ

TMJ disorders present with a range of symptoms that may vary in intensity. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of TMJ:

Jaw Pain or Tenderness: Pain around the jaw joint or surrounding muscles.
Headaches and Migraines: Recurring headaches or migraines are often linked to TMJ.
Clicking or Popping Sounds: Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
Difficulty Chewing: Trouble or discomfort when chewing or talking.
Ear Pain or Fullness: Pain or a feeling of fullness in or around the ears.
Facial Pain or Swelling: Pain radiating through the face, neck, or shoulders.

Common causes of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

What is the Best Treatment for TMJ Dysfunction

The best treatment for TMJ dysfunction depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Here are some of the most effective approaches:

1. Self-Care and Lifestyle Changes

Stress Management: Reducing stress can help minimize jaw clenching and muscle tension.
Dietary Adjustments: Eating soft foods and avoiding hard or chewy foods can relieve strain on the joint.
Jaw Exercises: Gentle exercises can improve jaw mobility and strengthen muscles.

2. Medications

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with mild pain and inflammation.
Muscle Relaxants: Prescription muscle relaxants may ease tension in the jaw muscles.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: These can reduce inflammation in the joint and surrounding tissues.

3. Orthotic Devices

Mouth Guards and Splints: These custom-fitted devices help prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) and reduce strain on the TMJ.

4. Physical Therapy

Jaw Exercises: Physical therapists can provide exercises that improve jaw function and mobility.
Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying warm compresses can relax the muscles, while cold packs can reduce inflammation.

5. Botox Injections

Botox for TMJ: Targeted Botox injections relax overactive muscles, reduce pain, and limit jaw movement if necessary. This option has become popular for people with persistent or severe symptoms. Contact Neighborhood Dental in Tea and schedule a consultation with Dr. Kyla Boyd, a certified BOTOX administrator.

6. Dental or Orthodontic Treatment

Corrective Dental Procedures: For cases linked to bite misalignment, dental treatment or orthodontic adjustments may relieve TMJ symptoms. At most of our offices, we offer clear aligners as an orthodontic solution for misaligned teeth.

7. Surgery (Last Resort)

Arthrocentesis or Arthroscopy: These minimally invasive procedures can help address severe or persistent TMJ issues.
Open-Joint Surgery: This is only considered for extreme cases where other treatments fail.

Best Overall Approach

A combined approach often works best, starting with conservative treatments and advancing to more involved options if necessary.

What to Do If You Have TMJ Symptoms

If you suspect you have a TMJ disorder, getting an accurate diagnosis from a dental professional who understands TMJ is important. At Neighborhood Dental, our teams are trained to evaluate, diagnose, and provide customized TMJ treatments to help alleviate your symptoms. When you first feel discomfort in your jaw joints or muscles, our dentists may have you:

Eat soft foods.
Apply heat or cold to the face with exercises to gently stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles.
Take over-the-counter medications, for example nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen.
Reduce habits such as jaw clenching, gum chewing, or nail biting.

Take the First Step to TMJ Relief with Neighborhood Dental

This TMJ Awareness Month, prioritize your health by addressing jaw discomfort or pain. Our experienced dental professionals across nine convenient locations are here to help guide you toward relief, providing compassionate care and effective treatment plans tailored to your needs.