If you’ve ever felt a dull ache in your jaw, heard popping or clicking sounds when you chew, or experienced jaw pain that radiates up to your ears or down to your neck, you might be dealing with a condition known as TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder involves your jaw joints, also called your temporomandibular joints (TMJ). These small, powerful joints are what your mouth relies on to bite, chew, and move freely, but when problems arise, the result can be daily pain and discomfort. Luckily, though, it’s a condition that your dentist can usually assist you with! Here’s what you need to know.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder, often called TMD, refers to a group of conditions that cause pain or dysfunction in the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth
- Headaches, migraines, or even earaches
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, or opening and closing your mouth
- The sensation that your jaw is stuck in a locked position
These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to chronic pain that interferes with daily life. However, there usually isn’t one single cause of TMJ disorder; it often results from a combination of factors. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, usually plays a role, and since many patients grind their teeth at night, it means their jaws are strained for hours at a time. Bite misalignment can also lead to TMD, since teeth coming into contact at incorrect points can cause excess pressure and strain. Stress, muscle tension, and physical injury or trauma can also be pinpointed as potential causes.
Why Trust a Dentist for TMJ Treatment?
You may not immediately think of a dentist as the go-to professional for chronic jaw pain, but the truth is, they’re uniquely qualified to help. TMJ issues are often linked to how your teeth come together, and dentists can easily identify bite misalignment, bruxism, or other issues that may impact your jaw joints. From there, they can put together custom-made treatment plans to address the root of the problem, rather than merely masking your symptoms. Dentists spend so much time caring for teeth and gums that it makes sense for them to handle most issues in the mouth’s vicinity!
A custom-fitted oral appliance is often the best way of helping; specifically tailored to fit your mouth, these devices can prevent grinding and unfavorable contact between your teeth. This ensures your jaw is properly positioned throughout the night, greatly reducing the amount of excess pressure placed on your TMJ. Sometimes, minor adjustments (called equilibration or occlusal adjustments) can also be made to the teeth themselves to improve their points of contact and reduce the impact of TMD.
TMJ disorder can be frustrating and greatly impact your daily life, but it’s not the type of pain that you have to live with needlessly. Don’t wait to speak with your dentist about your jaw pain so that they can find a solution that immediately helps!
About the Author
Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz has proudly served patients and families in Burbank and the surrounding communities for over 20 years. Here at our practice, we offer a wide range of services, including TMJ treatment solutions to address chronic and debilitating jaw pain. Dr. Ruiz is also a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (818) 558-4332.
