Whenever you speak, yawn, or chew, you are using your temporomandibular joints (TMJs). These joints connect your lower jawbone to the temporal bones of your skull, allowing smooth movement and the functioning of your jaw. However, when these joints are not working properly, it can lead to a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder).
Read on to discover more about TMJ disorder, including its symptoms and causes, as well as the available treatment options. Additionally, you can also learn about the preventive measures to manage this condition through this article.
What Are the Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ)?
If you are wondering what is TMJ, here is what you need to know. The temporomandibular joint, commonly referred to as the TMJ is located at the base of the skull in front of the ear. It connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the upper jaw (maxilla). The temporomandibular joint consists of articulations between three surfaces: the mandibular fossa, the articular tubercle (from the squamous part of the temporal bone), and the head of the mandible.
These three components of the TMJ are held together by ligaments that originate from various parts of the head and neck. These ligaments not only support the jaw but also guide its movements. Connected to these ligaments are several muscles that play a crucial role in moving the lower jaw. Therefore, whenever you open and close your mouth, or move your jaw forward, backward, or side-to-side, you are using the TMJ.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorders?
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, occurs when the hinge connecting the upper and lower jaws, which helps in forward, backward, and side-to-side movements, malfunctions. While TMJ disorders have many signs and symptoms, diagnosing them can be difficult as their symptoms overlap with those of other conditions. However, your dentist can help you diagnose TMJ by taking a complete medical and dental history, conducting clinical examinations, and taking appropriate X-rays.
Common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
Headaches: Often resembling migraines, accompanied by earaches and pain or pressure behind the eyes.
Clicking or Popping: Audible sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
Pain: Experiencing facial pain or jaw pain while yawning, wide mouth opening, or chewing.
Jaw Dysfunction: Occasional locking, getting stuck, or jaws that go out of alignment.
Muscle Tenderness: Soreness in the jaw muscles.
Bite Changes: Sudden changes in how the upper and lower teeth fit together.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
Temporomandibular joint disorders can occur due to a variety of reasons. Recognising these potential causes can help identify the condition early and seek the right treatment. Here are some common factors that can contribute to TMJ disorders:
Bruxism: Habitual teeth grinding during sleep or due to stress can exert excessive pressure on the TMJ, which could lead to TMJ disorders.
Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ and cause the TMJ to be inflamed and painful.
Injury: Injuries to the jaw or head, such as a blow to the jaw or dislocation, can damage the temporomandibular joint.
Tooth and jaw alignment: A misaligned bite, also known as malocclusion, can place uneven pressure on the TMJ, causing chronic pain and dysfunction in the joint.
Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ) Treatment
When it comes to TMJ treatment, the most suitable option depends on the root cause and intensity of the orofacial pain. If your condition is less severe, your healthcare provider might suggest noninvasive treatments like medications or nonsurgical options. In more serious cases where the symptoms persist, jaw surgery may be necessary.
Medication
Several types of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can ease TMJ symptoms and relieve associated pain and swelling. Your dental professional may recommend pain relievers for mild pain or prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for severe discomfort. Muscle relaxants can help if you grind or clench your teeth, while antianxiety drugs and antidepressants may help manage stress-related TMJ symptoms. It is always recommended to discuss the risks and benefits of these medications with your healthcare provider to ensure that the TMJ treatments are safe and effective for your situation.
Non Surgical TMJ Treatments
Many jaw joint and muscle problems are temporary and can be managed with simple TMJ treatments. Physical therapy could be helpful, including exercises that can strengthen jaw muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Custom-made oral splints or mouthguards (occlusal appliances) help reduce teeth grinding and jaw clenching, alleviating TMJ symptoms. Additionally, eating soft foods, applying ice or moist heat to the jaw, practising stress management techniques, and avoiding extreme jaw movements can help. Behavioural therapy and other stress-reduction techniques are also beneficial for patients whose TMJ symptoms are caused by stress and anxiety.
Surgical TMJ Treatments
If medications and nonsurgical treatments are not effective in treating your TMJ pain, surgery may be necessary, which is often performed by maxillofacial surgeons. Types of TMJ surgery include arthrocentesis, where fluid is removed from the jaw joint to ease symptoms, and TMJ arthroscopy, a keyhole surgery where a small incision is made in front of your ear. Further, they may insert a thin tube with a light and camera along with the surgical instruments to reshape bone, remove scar tissue, or reposition the disk in your joint. When keyhole surgery is not an option, open-joint surgery, which involves a longer incision for direct access to the jaw joint, may be performed.
How Can TMJ Be Prevented?
It may not be possible to prevent temporomandibular joint dysfunction from developing, as some contributing factors are unavoidable. However, you may be able to alleviate the associated symptoms by regularly visiting your dental professional for the appropriate treatment.
Here are some things that you can do to reduce the risk of temporomandibular joint disorder:
Wear a mouthguard: Use a mouthguard at night if you clench or grind your teeth, and wear one while playing contact sports.
Practise good posture: Maintain good posture to reduce strain on your jaw muscles.
Choose soft foods: Avoid hard or chewy foods like chewing gums that can stress the jaw.
Perform jaw exercises: Gentle jaw exercises can help strengthen jaw muscles and improve flexibility.
Manage stress: Practise meditation, mindfulness, or other relaxation techniques to avoid or manage stress.
To sum up, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is part of the broader category known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which include various conditions affecting the TMJ, muscles, and surrounding tissues that control jaw movement and function. Treatment options range from conservative approaches, such as medication and physical therapy, to surgical interventions like arthroscopy or open-joint surgery for severe cases.
Preventive measures, such as wearing mouthguards, maintaining good posture, and managing stress, can help reduce the risk of developing temporomandibular joint disorders and alleviate associated discomfort. For anyone experiencing symptoms of TMD, seeking timely evaluation and treatment is key to achieving pain relief and improving oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you resolve TMJ?
TMJ disorders can often be resolved through a combination of self-care practices, such as jaw exercises, stress management, and dietary changes, along with medical treatments like medications, physical therapy, and custom-made oral appliances. In severe cases, surgical options such as arthroscopy or open-joint surgery may be necessary. Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential for a personalised treatment plan.
2. Is TMJ a lifelong problem?
TMJ disorders are not always lifelong problems. Many people experience occasional or temporary symptoms that can be effectively managed with self-care, medical treatments, and lifestyle changes. However, some individuals may have chronic issues that require ongoing management. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help determine the best approach for managing TMJ symptoms.
3. What will happen if TMJ disorder is not treated?
If TMJ disorder is not treated, it can lead to persistent pain and discomfort, difficulty in chewing and speaking, worsening of symptoms, and potentially more severe issues such as muscle spasms and uneven muscular development. Over time, untreated TMJ disorders can also cause permanent damage to the bones in the jaw joints, leading to long-term complications. Seeking timely treatment can help prevent these issues and improve the quality of life.
4. How long does TMJ dysfunction last?
The duration of the TMJ dysfunction may vary depending on the underlying cause. For some, symptoms may resolve within a few weeks to months with proper treatment and self-care. However, for others, TMJ dysfunction can become a chronic condition lasting several years if not adequately managed. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing the duration and severity of TMJ symptoms.
