The Temporomandibular Joint, or TMJ as it is frequently called, is the jaw joint which connects the lower jaw bone (mandible) to the skull. It is not easy to diagnose TMJ disorders as there are many different causes for these conditions.
These disorders are commonly caused by the increased muscle tension in the jaw, mostly due to psychological factors that include stress and anxiety leading to jaw clenching (trismus), teeth grinding (bruxism), or excessive chewing.
Grinding, Clenching and TMJ Disorders
The Temporomandibular Joint, or TMJ as it is frequently called, is the jaw joint which connects the lower jaw bone (mandible) to the skull. It is not easy to diagnose TMJ disorders as there are many different causes for these conditions. These disorders are commonly caused by the increased muscle tension in the jaw, mostly due to psychological factors that include stress and anxiety leading to jaw clenching (trismus), teeth grinding (bruxism), or excessive chewing. Temporomandibular joint syndrome or temperomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) is either an acute or chronic inflammation of the TMJ.
Some Common TMJD symptoms may include:
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• Pain or difficulty in chewing or biting
• Excessive jaw pain and/or stiffness
• Head ache
• Dull ache in the side of the face
• Cervical neck tension and pain
• Clicking jaw, popping and grating sounds on moving the jaw
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) with excessive ear pain
• Shoulder, head and neck pain
• Awareness of grinding/clenching teeth while sleeping or awake (Bruxism)
• History of medically diagnosed migraine headaches (common incidence of concurrent TMD)
Treatment options for TMJ
There are various treatment options available for TMJ that range from conservative medical and dental options to a more complex surgical option. Treatment of these conditions depends upon individual’s needs and may include a combination of medical and dental therapies. Treatment of your particular problem will be determined by your specific diagnosis.
• Pain relief: Ibuprofen is an excellent medicine used for temporary relief of pain in the temperomandibular joints and headaches associated with TMJ pain. If the pain is more neurological in nature, it won’t simply recede with the usage of these kinds of drugs.
• Gentle jaw stretching and relaxing exercises: Practicing certain jaw stretching and relaxing exercises such as mild stretching, gentle massage and muscle relaxation techniques can greatly help in reducing the pain and discomfort of the TMJ.
• Night guard: It is a highly technical fabricated appliance that is widely-used in treating TMJ. They can be used to reduce pain, to prevent wear of tooth enamel teeth, and to protect teeth, and crowns from breaking or getting loose. The life span of a night guard is four to ten years. It can protect you from teeth grinding if you wear it regularly which can even lead to a peaceful night sleep for you.
• Invisalign or traditional braces are used to fix crooked teeth, crowding and teeth misalignment.
• Surgery can be undertaken to move the TMJ’s to a more favorable location, correct a lower face asymmetry, or remove tumors.
