Many people have heard of TMJ, but may not understand what it is or how to tell if they have TMJ. Our team at Imagine Dental provides comprehensive care for all types of dental problems, including TMJ treatment in Phoenix and Ahwatukee.
This quick guide explains common symptoms of TMJ and how to treat TMJ for a healthier, more comfortable smile.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ is an abbreviation that stands for temporomandibular joint. These are the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull, allowing you to open and close your mouth.
The joint involves three main parts:
- A ball of bone at the top of the mandible (lower jawbone) that sits in a shallow cup on the underside of the zygoma (cheekbone).
- A cartilage pad called a meniscus provides a cushion between the bones, allowing them to glide smoothly.
- Powerful chewing muscles on the sides of the face (masseters), as well as fans of muscle that cover the temples and sides of the head, and smaller muscles that attach to the underside of the jaw and base of the skull.
When most people talk about “TMJ symptoms,” they’re actually referring to TMJ disorder or TMJ dysfunction, which is abbreviated TMJD or TMD. TMJ disorders are issues affecting the comfortable and effective functioning of the jaw joints.
What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ problems can stem from any of the structures of the jaw joints. This can include:
- Changes to the shape of the jawbone
- Arthritis in the jaw joint
- Muscle strain
- Damage to the cartilage pad
- Fully or partially torn cartilage
- Problems with the tendons or ligaments of the jaw
The root cause of TMJ problems include:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Injuries to the jaw or mouth
- Stress and muscle tension
- Degenerative joint disease
- Bite problems like missing teeth and misalignment
- Habits like nail biting, gum chewing, and poor posture
Common TMJ Symptoms
Your TMJ symptoms may differ depending on the root cause of the problem. However, there are a few common TMJ symptoms that are always worth getting checked! Get in touch to schedule a consultation for TMJ treatment in Phoenix or Ahwatukee if you experience:
- Pain in the jaw joints
- Tenderness in the jaws or sides of the face
- Earaches when you don’t have an ear problem
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitis)
- Difficulty chewing or jaws becoming fatigued easily
- Stiffness or locking of the jaw joints
- Inability to open your mouth fully (trismus)
- Grinding, popping, or clicking noises when you open or close
- Frequent tension headaches
- Stiff neck or upper back
- Aching behind the eyes
- Tooth pain or sensitive teeth
Even if your jaw joints feel fine, you may want to have your TMJ evaluated if you show other signs of jaw problems, such as:
- Gum recession
- Tenderness when biting or chewing
- Worn-down teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Changes to your bite
- Inability to make all the teeth meet when you bite down
How to Fix TMJ Problems
The best TMJ treatment depends on the specific root cause of your TMJ pain and your oral health history. Our team will start your TMJ treatment with a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, jawbone, jaw joints, and the muscles of your head and neck. From there, we’ll recommend specific treatments to improve your symptoms and protect your jaw health.
Here are a few common treatments for TMJ.
1. Medications
Medications can help to control pain, swelling, and muscle tension. In some cases, pain medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen can help to reduce pain. Muscle relaxers can help to reduce tension and muscle spasms. Other medications like antidepressants can sometimes have off-label uses that help with chronic pain.
2. Nonsurgical TMJ Treatments
There are many treatments that can help to relax the jaw joints and relieve pain. These include night guards or occlusal splints to help with bruxism, exercises, stretches, physical therapy, and massage. Therapies like ultrasound, laser, and TENS can also ease tension and help with TMJ symptoms. In some cases, orthodontic treatment to properly align your bite can stabilize the jaw joints and improve symptoms.
3. Surgical TMJ Treatments
If you have severe jaw problems or other therapies don’t help, there are also surgical treatments for TMJ. This includes flushing out the joint, closed surgeries like arthroscopy to repair or reshape the bone or cartilage disc, or open joint surgery for more severe problems.
How to Treat TMJ at Home
In addition to professional TMJ treatments, there are a few simple things you can do at home to help reduce your symptoms and prevent the problem from getting worse. It’s important to understand that at-home TMJ treatments can help soothe symptoms, but generally do not address the root cause of the problem. They work best when paired with professional support.
- Stick to a soft food diet during flare-ups
- Do not chew gum or bite your nails
- Avoid very hard, tough, or chewy foods
- Take small bites when eating
- Try to reduce stress
- Apply ice or heat for acute symptoms
- Massage the muscles of the jaw, temples, and neck
- Gently exercise and stretch the jaw muscles
- Support the jaw when you yawn to avoid opening too far
Get Relief from TMJ Symptoms in Arizona!
If you suffer with TMJ problems, our team is here for you. We provide a wide range of TMJ treatments in Phoenix and Ahwatukee to help you enjoy a comfortable, healthy smile. Get in touch to schedule a consultation for TMJ pain in Arizona today!
