What Is TMJ Disorder? Causes, Symptoms , Jaw Movement Tips

Millions of people worldwide suffer from a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD). The temporomandibular joints are complex joints found on either side of your head in-front of your ears. These joints are constantly used throughout the day when eating, drinking, talking to friends and yawning. If the joints become inflamed, damaged or strained, it can cause painful and limited jaw movement.

Understanding how TMJ develops will help you get prompt treatment from a dental professional.

What Is the Temporomandibular Joint?

The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body. There are two temporomandibular joints and they are found either side of your head.

• Slide and Hinge Joints – The temporomandibular joint is a sliding hinge joint. This allows your lower jaw to move up, down, left, right and backwards.

• Cartilage Disc – Between the temporal bone of your skull and the condyle bone of your jaw there is a small cartilage disc. This acts as a shock absorber and ensures smooth movement when eating and talking.

• Muscles – Complex networks of facial muscles, neck muscles and ligaments help control jaw movement. These help keep your jaw in place and apply force when biting.

What Are the Common Causes of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction?

There is rarely only one cause of TMJ. Medical professionals often find there are several causes and factors that can cause your temporomandibular joint to become inflamed.

• Teeth Grinding – Often whilst sleeping, you can unconsciously grind your teeth. This puts a lot of pressure on your temporomandibular joint and facial muscles.

• Arthritis – If you suffer from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis then your cartilage can begin to erode. This will cause painful bone rubbing.

• Damage – If you suffer from a blow to your jaw, severe whiplash or major trauma during sport, this can cause your cartilage disc to become displaced or your joint to become broken.

• Stress – High stress can cause you to unconsciously tense your facial and neck muscles.

• Misaligned Bite – If your teeth do not fit correctly together it will cause your jaw muscles to work unevenly to shut your mouth.

How Does TMJ Limit Jaw Movement?

If your temporomandibular joint becomes inflamed or damaged it can cause issues with your jaw movement.

• Limited Opening – Inflammation can cause your muscles to spasm. This will limit how much you can open your mouth. This can make it difficult to eat large foods.

• Unnatural Movement – If your cartilage disc moves out of place it can cause your jaw to move or sway to one side.

• Clicking and Popping – As you open your mouth your condyle bone can slip over the displaced cartilage disc. This will cause clicking, popping and snapping sounds along with pain.

• Lock Jaw – If the cartilage disc becomes completely stuck then you can suffer from lock jaw (trismus).

• Difficult to Chew – Due to the sore tissues in your joint you will struggle to grind hard foods. This will cause you to chew on one side of your mouth.

What Are the Common Symptoms of TMJ?

TMJ can cause a variety of symptoms which can affect your head, neck and face.

• Facial Pain – You will suffer from a dull pain around your ears, cheeks, temporomandibular joint and temples. This will get worse when eating or talking.

• Neck and Shoulder Soreness – Your jaw muscles will become tight and cause neighboring muscles to become sore. This will cause chronic pain in your upper neck, shoulders and upper back.

• Headaches – Your jaw muscles will cause strain to your temporal muscles. This will cause frequent headaches.

• Ear Issues – Due to your temporomandibular joint being close to your ear canal, TMJ can cause earache, a blocked feeling and tinnitus.

• Sensitive Teeth – If you often clench your jaw then your enamel can wear away. This will cause sensitive teeth across several back teeth.

How Is TMJ Diagnosed?

Getting a correct diagnosis from a dentist, oral surgeon or medical professional will ensure you receive safe treatment.

• Palpation – Your dentist will gently press on your temporomandibular joint and facial muscles whilst you open and close your mouth. They will be looking for any pain, swelling and tightness.

• Listening to Joints – Your dentist will use a stethoscope or special sensors to listen for any crepitus, grinding or clicking.

• Measurement – Your dentist will measure how much you can open your mouth and how much your jaw can move sideways.

• Imaging – Your dentist will use X-rays, 3D CBCT or MRI scans to look at your bones and see where your cartilage discs are.

What Treatments Are Available for TMJ?

In most cases TMJ can be treated with non-surgical treatments. Guidelines state that we should try the least invasive treatments first.

• Night guard – A plastic mouth guard can be worn at night. This will cushion your bite and stop you from grinding your teeth.

• Physiotherapy – Physios will teach you gentle jaw exercises, posture and muscle relaxing techniques.

• Lifestyle Changes – Eating softer foods, avoiding chewing gum, using a hot compress and mindfulness will help reduce strain on your joints.

• Medication – Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants or joint injections to help with severe flare ups.

• Surgery – If you suffer from severe damage your dentist may carry out a small procedure such as arthrocentesis to clean your joint or open joint surgery to repair your cartilage.

How Can You Help Reduce Jaw Pain?

• Eat Soft Foods – During flare ups eat lots of smoothies, soups, cooked veg and eggs.

• Apply Heat – Apply a hot pad or ice pack to the side of your face for 15 minutes.

• Avoid Large Yawns – Try not to yawn wide, sing loudly or take big bites of food.

• Avoid Chewing Gum – Avoid chewing gum, biting your fingernails or chewing pens and ice cubes.

• Good Posture – Ensure your posture is good whilst sat at your desk.

• Visit a Dentist – Visit a dentist or TMJ specialist for a full diagnosis.

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ?

Can TMJ Go Away?

Mild flare ups caused by stress or slight muscle strain can often go away on their own in a few weeks. Doing self-care, eating soft foods and avoiding chewing gum will help speed up your recovery. However if you suffer from chronic pain, significant changes to your bite or lock jaw then you should seek medical attention.

Is Jaw Clicking Serious?

If you are not experiencing any pain then jaw clicking is not necessarily a serious medical issue. However if you are experiencing pain, limited mouth opening, difficulty eating or lock jaw then you should visit a licensed dental professional.

Does Stress Make TMJ Worse?

Yes! Stress can make TMJ worse. When you are stressed your body will unconsciously tense your facial muscles and cause you to clench your teeth during the day and night. Doing some exercise, deep breathing and getting enough rest will help reduce your muscle tension.

Who Should I See for TMJ?

You should see a licensed dentist or oral and maxillofacial specialist. They will have specialist knowledge about TMJ and can refer you to physios or doctors if needed.

TMJ can cause issues with everyday tasks such as eating, talking and yawning. Knowing the early signs such as clicking, sore muscles and limited opening will help you get effective treatment from a dental professional. Doing self-care, using a mouth guard and getting professional help will help your jaw move easily and pain free so you can live a comfortable and healthy life.