Understanding TMJ: What It Is, How to Diagnose It, and How to Treat It
Do you often experience jaw pain and headaches? Don't ignore these signs—you may be suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. This disorder can come with a range of uncomfortable symptoms, like difficulty eating or speaking, limited mouth opening, and even painful clicking when the jaw moves. While it's essential to get help if you think you may have TMJ, understanding the cause is key to developing an effective treatment plan. That’s why in this blog post we’re talking about what TMJ is, how to diagnose it, and different approaches to treating it. So keep reading if you want to learn more about taking control of your health!
What is TMJ (joint dysfunction)?
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the hinge that connects the upper and lower jaws, and it is dysfunctional. One of the body's most intricate joints, this hinge allows the lower jaw to move forward, backward, and side to side. TMJ refers to any issue that inhibits this intricate system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from functioning properly.
When the joint is not functioning properly, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, which may include:
Pain or tenderness when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
Having difficulty opening your mouth wide
Jaws that become "stuck" or "locked" in the open- or closed-mouth posture
Clicking or popping in the jaw
Difficulty eating or an unexpectedly painful bite
Swelling on the side of your face
Additionally, you might experience earaches, hearing issues, upper back pain, toothaches, headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and tinnitus (a ringing in the ears).
While the exact cause of TMJ is not always clear, some common contributing factors include stress, injury, teeth grinding or clenching, and arthritis. If you suspect that you may be suffering from TMJ, it is important to come in and see us for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
How is TMD diagnosed?
Similar symptoms are seen in a variety of conditions, such as gum disease, arthritis, sinus issues, and tooth decay. Dr. Wheeler will inquire about your medical background and perform a physical examination in order to determine what is causing yours.
When you move your jaw, he'll listen for clicks, pops, or grating sounds and feel your joints for any pain or tenderness. As you open or close your mouth, he'll check to see if your jaw moves freely and does not lock. Additionally, he will assess your bite and look for any facial muscle issues.
He may also need to perform a full face X-ray to view your teeth, temporomandibular joints, and jaws in order to rule out any other issues.
Treatments for TMD
You can take steps on your own to ease the symptoms of TMD. Doctor Wheeler could advise combining some of these treatments.
Utilize over-the-counter drugs. Muscle soreness and swelling can be reduced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as naproxen or ibuprofen.
Use cold or moist heat packs. For about 10 minutes, place an ice pack on the side of your face and around your temples.
Exercises If Dr. Wheeler approves, perform a few quick jaw stretches. When you're finished, keep a warm washcloth or towel on your face for about five minutes. Repeat this procedure a couple of times daily.
Lessened jaw movement Limit yelling, singing, or doing anything else that makes your jaw open wide; this also includes yawning or chewing.
Night guard or splint. Your upper and lower teeth are separated by these plastic mouthpieces, which fit over them. By moving your teeth into a more beneficial position, they reduce the negative consequences of clenching or grinding and improve your bite.
Dental work. To balance your teeth's biting surfaces or to fix a bite issue, Dr. Wheeler can employ braces, crowns, bridges, or missing tooth replacements.
The Long-Term Effects of Untreated TMJ
There is no denying that TMJ disorders are painful. Untreated TMJ pain, however, may be far more excruciating. The following are a few long-term consequences of untreated TMJ:
Chronic Jaw Pain: Your TMJ symptoms, which include jaw pain, could get worse if you do not get treatment. A long-lasting symptom or syndrome is referred to as "chronic."
Joint Damage and Inflammation: Inflammation is your body's natural response to heal an injury, so if your body is not healing pain (such as from TMJ disorder), your body will respond with continued inflammation until it is healed. If you don't seek proper treatment for your TMJ pain, there will be damage to the joint(s) that you had issues with.
Airway Sleep Disorder Development - Misaligned bites, which degrade the quality of your sleep, frequently contribute to TMJ problems. Your airway is being obstructed because your jaw isn't resting in the right position. Because of this, your brain is receiving less oxygen.
Get help today!
Our experienced team of professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care that targets the root cause of your TMJ symptoms. With a range of treatment options, including oral appliances and physical therapy, we can help you find relief and improve your quality of life. Choose us for expert guidance and compassionate care when treating your TMJ. Contact us today!