Have you ever experienced jaw soreness, discomfort while eating, or unusual sounds coming out from the jaw when it is opened? These could possibly be signs of temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ.
This disease affects numerous people and can greatly interfere with their daily lives. However, what does TMJ entail?
In this blog we are going to take a closer look at TMJ disorders including:
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ dysfunctions refers to a particular condition affecting your teeth and the soft tissues surrounding you. Some of these conditions include: dental discomfort, facial pain and migraine-like symptoms associated with opening wide and closing mouth.
TMJ is also known as Temporomandibular joint disorder, is related to jaw joint related dysfunctions. The patient suffering from TMJ may feel pain, tenderness or stiffness in the jaw. They find it difficult to open their mouth for eating or speaking while producing “clicking” sounds as well as experiencing facial pain.
Root Causes of TMJ Disorder
The primary causes contributing to this condition include physical trauma among others; misaligned teeth and jaws, or stress. Therefore, early detection and treatment becomes very important to avoid complications.
- Physical trauma: A direct blow to the jaw, head or neck may lead to TMJ through injuries. It mostly occurs from accidents or sporting activities. This may lead to dislocation of the jaw or tearing of the joint.
- Arthritis: Inflammations and pains in temporomandibular joint can be as a result of different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis among other types.
- Chronic grinding: Clenching of teeth mostly caused by stress known as bruxism exerts too much pressure on the muscles and joints thus contributing to TMD symptoms.
- Jaw Misalignment: If the jaws are not aligned properly, then it will affect their proper functioning hence disrupting how they work.
- Genetic Factors: There could be a genetic aspect involved whereby some people are genetically made to develop TMJ disorders due to uniqueness in their jaw structure or joint composition.
- Stress: Stress tends not to cause TMJ disorders but causes muscle tension that affects teeth clenching among others which worsen symptoms.
- Connective Tissue Disorders: TMJ stability and function can be affected by specific connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
- Other Medical Conditions: Other medical conditions such as fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome may exist alongside TMD making it more difficult to understand its clinical manifestation and increasing sensory discomforts.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Here are some signs of and symptoms of TMJ disorders that needs t0 be considered, according to Mayo Clinic:
- Constant pain the jaw
- Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
- Pain around ear
- Pain while chewing food
- Continuous facial pain
- Difficulty in opening or closing mouth
TMJ disorders can also cause a clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew.
Risk Factors for TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) enables smooth jaw movements but can be damaged, causing TMJ disorders. This impacts about10 million people, with 25% experience symptoms in their lifetime.
Risk factors include being female, age 18-44, genetic predisposition, chronic pain conditions, arthritis, teeth grinding, jaw injury, and connective tissue diseases.
Women are more susceptible, but both genders respond similarly to treatment. While anyone can develop TMJ disorders, understanding these risk factors can help in prevention and early intervention.
How Long Does TMJ Disorder Last
TMJ disorders can last anywhere from a few days to several years, depending on the severity and underlying cause. Acute TMD symptoms lasting less than 3 months are common after dental procedures or injuries. In the case of chronic TMD symptoms, it can last over 3 months.
Treatment Options Available for TMJ Dysfunction
Some treatments available for TMJ are pain medications, physiotherapy together with severe cases that can require surgery.
In addition, a few lifestyle changes such as reducing stress levels, avoiding hard foods during meals, being careful when yawning or chewing can help to prevent the occurrence or worsening of TMJ.
Management and treatment of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders vary considerably depending on the underlying causes of the condition.
Most therapeutic options are non-invasive and involve rest, a soft food diet, heat or cold packs as well as pain relieving medications.
Some people recover from TMJ disorders through physiotherapy or lifestyle modifications. Mostly, surgery is the last option when other methods have not worked, but for some patients it might be good.
Managing the symptoms of TMJ disorders since they may result in chronic facial pain and headaches. In most cases, the discomfort caused by TMJ disorders gradually reduces over time regardless of whether or not treatment has been received.
Nonetheless, if you have excruciating or intolerable pain that persists then seeking medical advice will help in terms of comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.
Want a TMJ Specialist in Murfreesboro?
Are you looking for a TMJ dental specialist in Murfreesboro? You can come and visit Davis Dentistry, which is counted among the best TMJ therapy clinics in Murfreesboro. You can book an appointment with our specialist Ann Marie Davis.
