TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a jaw condition that can cause extreme discomfort. TMJ symptoms often interfere with patients' ability to eat, sleep, and relax.

If you have TMJ and seek symptom relief, you have several options. This blog will explain the condition and share pain relief methods to help alleviate your discomfort.

About TMJ

The acronym TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint. This crucial joint attaches the lower jaw or mandible to the skull. It is a sliding hinge joint and is among the most complex in the human body. Due to the joint's integration with muscles in the face, head, and jaw, any dysfunction can lead to uncomfortable symptoms.

TMJ Symptoms

• Tenderness or pain in the jaw
• Pain in one or both TMJ joints
• Difficulty chewing
• Painful chewing
• Pain near or in the ears
• Jaw locking
• Neck pain
• Headache
• Facial or eye pain
• Toothache accompanied by jaw tenderness

Causes of TMJ

TMJ disorder does not always have a clear cause. It can occur without any precursors and sometimes goes away on its own. However, certain medical conditions, habits, and emotional states can bring on symptoms in vulnerable patients:

• Traumatic jaw injury, such as a car accident
• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the joint
• Joint derangement or disc problems
• Personal habits like gum chewing and nail-biting
• Bruxism (chronic teeth grinding or clenching)
• Stress and tension
• Sleep disturbances
• Smoking

Pain Relief Options for TMJ

Self-Care Methods

Home care is often the most effective treatment method for TMJ. Home care recommendations include:

• Apply warm or cold compresses as your dentist or physician recommends
• Eating a softer diet during flare-ups
• Avoiding chewing gum or fingernails
• Reducing or eliminating teeth-grinding
• Stress reduction, including talk therapy, meditation, yoga, and progressive relaxation

Custom Oral Appliances

Wearing a custom oral appliance at night helps to reduce symptoms by preventing teeth clenching and allowing the jaw to rest. Greater Essex Dental prescribes these innovative devices.

Physical Therapy

Many patients benefit from guided jaw exercises and stretching, along with moist heat.

Medications

Muscle relaxants (short-term use) and over-the-counter pain relievers may help. Some physicians also prescribe tricyclic antidepressants.

Surgery

Surgery is generally a last resort for TMJ, as the condition responds well to supportive therapies in most patients. However, if the condition occurs due to physical joint damage or arthritis, surgery may be appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ

How do custom oral appliances work for TMJ?

Custom oral appliances reposition the jaw and hold it in a comfortable resting position. These appliances can reduce muscle tension and alleviate painful symptoms.

What is the connection between stress and TMJ?

Many patients dealing with stress in their personal or professional lives present with TMJ symptoms. Teeth clenching, grinding, and overall muscle tension are part of the body's natural response to stress. When the muscles connected to the TMJ joint become overworked and inflamed, symptoms often result.

Contact Greater Essex Dental

If you have symptoms of this debilitating condition, don't wait to get help. TMJ relief is within reach. Please contact us at our Merrimac, MA, office to schedule a consultation today.

TMJ disorder results from a problem with the temporomandibular joints, which are located on either side of your face and connect your jawbone to your skull. These joints function as sliding hinges as you open or close your mouth. They are complex joints, and moving your mouth can be painful and even difficult when the hinges don't work smoothly.

But how do you know if you have TMJ disorder or something else? TMJ disorder symptoms can be similar to other concerning health conditions. Seeing a dental or other healthcare provider is in your best interest to receive a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Persistent pain in your jaw when eating, drinking, speaking, smiling, or laughing is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorder. The following symptoms are also associated with TMJ disorder:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Difficulty with balance
• Upper back and neck pain
• Finger tingling or numbness
• Clicking or popping sounds while opening and closing your jaw or chewing
• Frequent dental problems like pain, abnormal wear, chips, or cracks
• Facial pain
• Earaches
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• A feeling of fullness in the ears

TMJ disorder can present differently in different people. For instance, you may only experience jaw pain, whereas another patient may experience all these symptoms.

Conditions Similar to TMJ Disorder

The following conditions may show some similarities but also some differences when compared to TMJ disorder. It's essential to consult with a knowledgeable dentist or other medical provider to determine if you have TMJ or another condition.

Cluster, Migraine, or Tension Headaches

While people commonly feel headaches in their forehead, certain types like migraine, chronic cluster, or tension headaches can also originate from the sides of the face and temples, radiating outward, mimicking symptoms of TMJ disorder headaches.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia happens when the trigeminal nerves, responsible for transmitting sensations from the face to the brain, become irritated for some reason. Symptoms include:

• Pain in the teeth, face, and around the ear
• Numbness or tingling, typically affecting only one side of the face

Trigeminal neuralgia is often characterized by a shooting pain resembling an electric shock.

Sinus Issues

Headaches and pain around the temples can be common in both TMJ disorder and chronic sinus pain or sinus infections. However, chronic sinus problems may be associated with allergies or structural sinus issues, and infections may cause additional symptoms like nasal discharge, watery eyes, or fever.

Other Causes of Jaw and Facial Pain

Various other conditions, including an abscessed tooth, facial trauma, or herpes zoster (commonly called shingles), can cause pain similar to TMJ disorder symptoms.

Are You Experiencing TMJ Disorder Symptoms? Contact Greater Essex Dental Today

TMJ disorder is painful and debilitating and can negatively impact your quality of life. If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ or another disorder, make an appointment with our office as soon as possible. 

We can provide thorough TMJ disorder assessments and create effective treatment plans to help you start feeling better. Call our office at 978-346-4610 or contact us to schedule a consultation and examination.