Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
What is Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome?
TMJ is a condition that causes frequent pain in the jaw joint. The pain occurs where the jaw meets the skull, just in front of the ear on each side of the face. Another term for this disorder is myofascial pain dysfunction of the jaw.
How does it occur?
The cause of TMJ is usually not known but causes can include:
a) Frequent clenching of the jaw or grinding of the teeth, (you may clench your jaw or grind your teeth when you are feeling stressed or sleeping)
b) Ill-fitting dentures
c) Frequent chewing of gum or ice
d) Anatomic or denture abnormalities, such a teeth alignment
e) Injury from prolonged or repeated opening of the jaw or a direct blow to the joint, which may seem to go away after a short time but months to years later painful traumatic arthritis may develop in the joint
f) Other forms of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
What are the symptoms?
a) Jaw pain that is usually dull but sometimes sharp. In most cases the pain is worse when you move your jaw. If you are grinding your teeth at night the pain may be worse in the morning.
b) Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you move your jaw
c) Trouble completely opening your jaw or an uncomfortable bite
d) Headache
e) Ear pain or ear ache
How is it diagnosed?
a) A dental examination and/or X-ray
b) Joint or muscle tenderness, sensitivities, and or pain
c) Watching, feeling, and listening to the jaw open and shut
d) Examination of the ears to rule out infection
How is it treated?
a) Learn how to gently stretch, relax, or massage the muscles around your jaw. Your doctor, dentist, or physical therapist can help you with these.
b) Avoid actions that cause your symptoms, such as yawning, singing, and chewing gum.
c) Try moist heat or cold packs on your face.
d) Learn stress-reducing techniques.
e) Exercising several times each week may help you increase your ability to handle pain.
f) Short-term use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used with your doctor’s approval
g) In some cases, jaw surgery may be recommended
How can I help prevent TMJ?
a) Avoid overusing your jaw
b) Try not to grind your teeth
c) In some cases, your provider may recommend a bite block to wear at night, which is a plastic mouthpiece that stops the teeth from grinding together.
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