Are you feeling sudden locking, popping, stiffness, or soreness in your jaw? If so, you aren’t alone — experiencing these sorts of discomforts could be a sign that you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMD. According to the National Institute of Health , this disorder affects between 5-12% of Americans, twice as many women as it does men, and more younger patients than older ones, which is unusual for chronic pain conditions.
While this type of joint dysfunction isn’t life-threatening, it can still be extremely detrimental to your quality of life. It is typically a byproduct of strain and trauma to the temporomandibular joints or muscles, which may result from bruxism (teeth grinding and bite clenching) or malocclusions (bite misalignment) that uncomfortably pull on the jaw.
Fortunately, you don’t have to grin and bear the condition that might be locking up your grin. If you have uncertainties surrounding this disorder, the possible problems caused by this disorder, and potential solutions to those problems, read on to put those uncertainties to rest..
The Symptoms Of TMD?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you could be suffering from a temporomandibular joint disorder:
- Abrupt headaches
- Tinnitus (ear ringing) and/or hearing loss
- Sharp pain spreading behind the eyes, in the face, or upper body
- Bruxism
- Dizziness
- Change in bite alignment and/or teeth enamel (cracking, chipping, flattening, etc.)
- Limited mouth movement
- Numbness or tingling
- Jaw clicking, popping, or painfully “locking” in place
- Overall jaw soreness or discomfort, most intense during the morning
It’s worth noting that the most intense bruxism clenching typically occurs during sleep when you aren’t awake or conscious enough to help it. Risks of this clenching can also be intensified by family history, mental health conditions (particularly anxiety), and substance issues .
Abusing stimulants (like caffeine, cocaine, and amphetamine) can overactivated the jaw muscles, and has been clinically linked to increased TMJ risk. In 2019, the Brazilian Research in Pediatric Dentistry journal observed that amphetamines, in particular, could amplify that risk over sixfold.
We recommend wearing occlusal splint appliances, custom-made by an experienced dentist or orthodontist, to ease TMD strain and protect your tooth enamel from further damage. That said, it’s still important to take those underlying issues into account as well. A behavioral health professional specialized in cognitive behavioral therapy and/or addiction counseling could help you address those underlying stressors that might be worsening your TMD.
Does TMD Cause Pain?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) affects more than just your jaw and mouth. This joint connects your jawbone and skull, acting as a crucial hinge. As a result, the pain from TMD can spread throughout your entire face.
Severe cases of TMD can cause discomfort and pain in both areas connected by this hinge. TMD pain locations and causes can vary, and treatment options such as braces or Invisalign may be considered to alleviate symptoms.
Additionally, this joint is close to your ears, and swelling and inflammation can put pressure on the eustachian tube, which may lead to restricted airflow and minor hearing loss. When diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorder, it’s essential to consider these broader symptoms and their impact on your overall well-being.
Jaw pain can strain nerves, joints, and muscles, leading to TMD pain and numbness. This discomfort can spread to the neck, shoulders, and upper back. In severe cases, it may affect the arms and legs.
To ease this condition, treatments like muscle relaxants and physical therapy can help. These therapies alleviate jaw pain and reduce strain on nearby muscles and nerves.
Jaw pain can strain nerves, joints, and muscles, leading to TMD pain and numbness. This discomfort can spread to the neck, shoulders, and upper back. In severe cases, it may affect the arms and legs.
To ease this condition, treatments like muscle relaxants and physical therapy can help. These therapies alleviate jaw pain and reduce strain on nearby muscles and nerves.
When dealing with jaw pain, relaxation techniques can provide relief. This discomfort often radiates from the front of your ears, affecting various areas. Additionally, consider options like ceramic braces for added support.
Does TMJ Go Away?
Mild TMD discomfort can often resolve on its own without any treatment. However, some individuals may experience severe TMJ disorders that cause persistent, long-term discomfort, which rarely improves on its own. If left untreated, a chronic TMJ disorder can lead to symptoms that may last for months or even years.
For effective chronic TMJ disorder management, it’s essential to explore treatment options and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
The good news is that most of the damage caused by TMJ disorders, even in those severe cases, can be reversible. In a 2017 C&EO study of 112 patients with TMJ and hearing loss, 101 were able to improve their hearing, with the majority of those 101 (67 patients) fully recovering it. Moreover, if your TMJ is bruxism-related, occlusal guards can offer fast, effective relief for those symptoms, with hydrostatic guards relieving them in as soon as five minutes.
A chronic TMJ disorder could be straining your life now, but that doesn’t mean that it has to affect you for the rest of your life.
How is TMJ Diagnosed?
An experienced doctor, dentist, or licensed orthodontist can diagnose TMJ disorders. Typically, they will do so by:
- Asking you questions
- Monitoring jaw motion
- Listening to your jaw for clicking
- Pressing around the jaw to identify discomfort spots
- Taking diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scans, or MRI pictures)
Healthcare providers use imaging to examine your jaw, teeth, and surrounding tissues. This is important if you have symptoms suggesting a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Imaging helps to identify the cause of your TMJ disorder.
After analyzing the images, your provider can decide on the best treatment. This process is crucial for understanding how your TMJ functions. It includes how the joint opens and closes when you open or close your mouth.
In the United States, when you have concerns about orthodontic treatment, or if you’re experiencing issues like difficulty opening your mouth, wearing braces, or using tooth-colored plastic aligners for 22 hours a day, imaging can provide valuable insights. It helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions about your treatment plan.
How to Treat TMJ?
For TMD related to bruxism or malocclusion, consult an experienced dentist or orthodontist for proper treatment. They’ll recommend the right night guard and may advise daytime use if needed.
While you can order over-the-counter occlusal guards, investing in a custom-fit appliance is your best bet for the most effective results. To create this custom-fit occlusal guard, the dentist or orthodontist will typically:
While you can order over-the-counter occlusal guards , investing in a custom-fit appliance is your best bet for the most effective results. To create this custom-fit occlusal guard, the dentist or orthodontist will typically:
- Probe your diagnosis to determine the best type of occlusal guard
- Measure TMD discomfort with a bite test, informing their occlusal guard choice
- Use the shape of that bite to mold the custom fit (unless it’s a hydrostatic guard)
- Discuss cleaning, next steps and additional treatment measures
In addition to wearing an occlusal guard, consider discussing any behavioral or substance issues with a counselor. If TMD symptoms continue, try these self-care steps to alleviate severe TMD.
- Pain medication (if necessary)
- Physical jaw exercises
- Diet changes (stick to soft, light foods that won’t cause joint tension)
- Behavioral changes (avoiding possible stressors, bad habits, or substance use triggers)
- Ice or hot packs applied to the jaw
- Mental relaxation exercises
Orthodontists and other providers offer tools for TMJ disorders. These include lingual braces and other types of braces.
They help move the teeth effectively. Eating soft foods is also advised. This approach reduces clenching or grinding.
However, the key to success lies with you. You are the one actively using these tools. Your role is crucial in managing TMD.
