Often times people who suffer from pain in the jaw joints refer to their condition as TMJ. You will often hear someone say ‘I have TMJ.” Today we hope to educate you on the TMJ and the proper term for jaw joint pain and discomfort!
The TMJ is the Temporomandibular Joint. You have two, located on each side of your head, that work together to allow you to move your mandible (lower jaw) in order to chew, speak, and swallow. The TMJ is a complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones that work together to form the complex joint. The disc is very important because it cushions the movement when the ball joint rotates or glides in its’ socket. The muscles and ligaments help guide the bones in the correct direction.
TMJD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, describes a problem in the complex system of the TMJ that results in pain. This is the correct terminology for a patient suffering from pain in their jaw joints. TMJD is a complex disorder with many causes. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
Possible causes of TMJD include:
- Arthritis
- Dislocation of the joint
- Trauma or injury
- Tooth and jaw mal-alignment
- Stress
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Part of our dental exam includes checking the TMJs for tenderness, clicking, popping, or difficulty/decreased opening. Depending on the diagnosis for your TMJD, a specialist may need to be involved with your treatment.
Some recommended treatments often include:
- Eating softer foods
- Using heat or ice to modify the pain
- Practicing relaxation or muscle relaxants
- Avoiding chewing gum
- Wearing a night guard to decrease clenching or grinding
- Pain management with anti-inflammatory medications
- Exercises to strengthen your jaw muscles
- Orthodontic treatment to fix uneven bite
- Surgery, although usually the last resort
So, next time you hear a friend say they have TMJ be sure to tell them that you have TWO!
We hope that you have learned something today, and will share the education with your family and friends. And remember if you suffer from joint discomfort, be sure to have your dentist evaluate your joint at your next appointment!
