Temporomandibular disorder (TMJ) is the medical term that applies to a range of disorders that affect certain areas of your jaw. Specifically, it deals with the temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles, and facial nerves. The cause and treatment can vary widely. But, TMJ disorders are marked by chronic pain near the hinge of the jaw bone. This pain can radiate into the facial muscles, ear, and even into the forehead. As a result, some patients experience tinnitus and migraines in addition to joint discomfort.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
There are four primary causes of TMJ disorders. They are arthritis, misaligned teeth, blunt force trauma, and stress. In all four cases, the joint, disk, or cartilage receive damage as a result of physical erosion. This damage breaks down the normally smooth motion of the temporomandibular joint.
However, the cause of a TMJ disorder is not always clear. This is true even though nearly ten million Americans suffer from the condition. Some experts theorize that poor diet, sleep deprivation, and the use of orthodontic braces could contribute to the condition. But, scientists have yet to fully prove these theories with definitive evidence.
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorders are most commonly identified by chronic discomfort or pain in the region near the jaw, just below the ear. Most patients experience heightened discomfort when opening and closing the jaw. The motion is often accompanied by a popping, clicking, or grinding sound. Less common symptoms include chronic migraines and tinnitus (a constant ringing or buzzing in the ear). These can sometimes be accompanied by numbness, according to Medical News Today.
Who is Susceptible to TMJ Disorders?
There are three primary risk groups with TMJ disorders. They are the elderly, women, and violinists. Due to the effects of arthritis on general joint health, the inflammation and erosion of healthy joints often contribute to the development of TMJ disorders. Overuse of the jaw, as with violinists, also appears to put individuals at risk. Overuse can also apply to patients who consistently clench their jaw or grind their teeth as a stress response.
Research shows that women are far more likely to develop a TMJ disorder over their lifetime. Part of the explanation for this otherwise strange statistic is women’s increased susceptibility to develop arthritis. However, many cases of TMJ have been found in women of childbearing age, leading some scientists to guess that hormonal responses may play a role.
How to Treat TMJ Disorders
Fortunately, many cases of TMJ will fade with time if you address the underlying cause. To this end, your dentist at Jesmine Boghawala DDS will diagnose your condition based on a physical examination. Still, they may also suggest that you visit an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist (ENT) to confirm the diagnosis.
Once confirmed, your health care provider will ask you about lifestyle habits. This could include whether you chew gum, use a mouth guard while sleeping, or have been feeling stressed to establish possible underlying causes. Typically, for immediate relief, your provider will prescribe an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory. They likely will suggest reducing chewing activities. To this end, patients should restrict their diet to soft foods. Also, they should use a mouth guard if teeth grinding looks to be a likely cause.
When TMJ Disorder is Severe
In more severe cases, light muscle relaxers, jaw exercises, and stabilization splints may be required for a short period. Surgery is rarely used to treat TMJ disorders as results vary, and moderate treatments are typically successful. Your health care provider will only suggest surgery when there is clear damage to the joint that causes extreme jaw restriction. In these cases, the surgeon can replace the joint, but this is very rare.
