TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. Some people clench or grind their teeth, tightening their jaw muscles and stressing the TM joint. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments.

TMJ Disorders

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorders are a family of problems related to the complex jaw joint. The name comes from each joint (right and left) that connects the jaw to the skull. Symptoms may include a misaligned bite, pain, a clicking or grating noise when opening the mouth, or trouble opening the mouth wide.

TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. Some people clench or grind their teeth, tightening their jaw muscles and stressing the TM joint. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. This may cause the disk, which acts as a cushion for the jaw joint, to slip out of position.

Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.

Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?

Yes No

Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?

Yes No

Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?

Yes No

Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?

Yes No

Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?

Yes No

Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?

Yes No

Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?

Yes No

Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn?

Yes No

Have you ever injured your neck, head or jaws?

Yes No

Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?

Yes No

Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?

Yes No

Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?

Yes No

Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?

Yes No

Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?

of 13 Total

The more times you answered "yes," the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.

Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder by your general dentist, there are various treatment options that can improve the harmony and function of your jaw. The initial goals are to relieve the muscle spasm and joint pain, which is usually accomplished with non-surgical remedies such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medicines or muscle relaxants. Steroids can be injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation.

Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:

• Resting your jaw
• Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
• Eating soft foods
• Applying ice and heat
• Exercising your jaw
• Practicing good posture

Other recommendations may include stress management techniques, such as biofeedback or physical therapy, or use of a temporary, clear, plastic appliance known as a splint or night guard. Such appliances can help keep teeth apart, reduce muscle tension and pressure on the jaw, and protect the cartilage, tooth surface and joint surfaces. It may also help reposition the jaw and/or disk.