TMJ Disorders at Your Dentistree
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint known as the jaw joint.
The symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders varies greatly, however some of the common causes include:
- Jaw pain when you eat or yawn
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you move the jaw
- Headache or earache
- A change in the way upper and lower teeth come together
- Loose teeth
- Chipped, worn or cracked fillings or teeth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fractures at the gum line
- Pressure behind your eyes or inside your ears
- Loss of chewing efficiency
Reasons for TMJ pain:
- Misshaped fillings, bridges or crowns
- Cleaning or grinding the teeth
- Jaw injuries such as dislocations or fractures
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Anatomical deformities
- Stress
How is it diagnosed?
- Thorough medical and dental history obtained
- Oral history completed
- Teeth and bite patterns assessment
- Jaw muscle and joint functionality evaluated
- Potential further scans if required
Prevention of TMJ:
- See the dentist regularly for optimal oral hygiene and care
- Practice good posture
- Avoid holding the phone between your shoulder and ear
- Avoid opening jaw too widely
- Cease smoking
- Address any clenching or grinding issues
TMJ home treatments:
- Applying heat packs to the jawline
- Stretching the jaw gently
- Relaxation techniques to decrease jaw tension such as meditation
- Eating softer foods
Why Your Dentistree?
There are several different ways TMJ disorders are treated once diagnosed. Typically, initially we try simple lifestyle changes, followed by a mouthguard (also known as a splint) which is worn at night. This reduces the stress on the jaw and as a result allows the muscles to function optimally. Involving a physiotherapist and certain medications can also be of benefit.
For those who have TMJ disorders related to clenching, we offer simple, instant muscle relaxants. This has the effect of relaxing the clenching muscles, often alleviating associated headaches as well as helping reduce the “square jaw appearance.”
You may also be interested to read about Sleep Dentistry