What is TMJ Disorder?
The TMJ is the joint connecting the temporal bones of your skull (located just below your temple, in front of your ear) to your jaw. You use this hinge to do everything from moving your jaw to eating, talking – even breathing.
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) occur when your jaw and facial muscles are strained. You start to feel pain in the area, and if the disorder worsens, the joint may become immobile.
Types of TMJ Disorder
Actually, there are three main categories of TMJ disorders:
Joint Degenerative Disorders
Most commonly known as osteoarthritis, this joint degenerative disorder happens when cartilage holding the round ends of the two bones in your jaw together breaks or wears away.
Cartilage absorbs shocks during movement and allows your bones to glide over each other easily. When the cartilage deteriorates, you will experience pain and swelling, and you may be unable to move your jaw.
Muscle Disorders
Muscle disorders, also known as myofascial pain, cause aches and discomfort in every muscle that moves your jaw. In addition, the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and jaw could hurt.
Joint Derangement Disorders
A soft, small disc located between the temporal bone and the condyle makes jaw opening and closing smooth and easy. This disc is also important because it absorbs shocks to the jaw joint during movement.
When an individual has a joint derangement disorder, the inner workings of the jaw are disrupted or unbalanced due to a dislocated disc or damaged bone.
This displaced disc causes internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. Currently, there is no surgical solution to this problem.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
You'll probably feel pain in your face and jaw if you have any type of TMJ disorder. Your mouth will hurt when you open to eat or speak, and the area around your ears may hurt.
Other symptoms may include:
- Facial bruising or swelling
- Problems opening, closing or clenching your jaw
- Headaches, dizziness or pain in your temples
- Grinding, clicking or popping sounds when you open your jaw
- Additional pain in your neck and/or shoulders
When You Should See a Dentist for TMJ Treatment
If at-home remedies such as stress reduction, chewing gum, gently massaging your neck and jaw muscles, and trying over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) haven't worked, you should schedule a dental appointment.
Your dentist will review your dental history, perform a thorough examination of your bite and jaw, and take x-rays to assess before providing an official diagnosis of TMJ Disorder. The treatment he or she recommends may include:
- TMJ therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Oral Surgery
- Dental splints
- Prescription medications
Your dentist can help you manage your TMJ Disorder with a combination of home remedies and attentive dental care.