TMJ Disorders: What are they and what do they affect?
Your TMJ or temporomandibular joint is used to connect your temporal bones, which sit just in front of your ear, to your jaw bone. You use this joint to move your jaw and assist in daily tasks like eating and talking. You even need this joint to help you breathe!
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) happen when there is an issue with your jaw and facial muscles. Like many other degenerative conditions in the body, TMJ disorders will eventually lead to the inability to move your jaw if they are left untreated.
The 3 Main Types of TMJ Disorders
Here are three of the most commonly seen types of TMJ disorders in patients:
Joint Degenerative Disorders (Osteoarthritis)
Most commonly known as osteoarthritis. This joint degenerative disorder occurs when cartilage holding the round ends of the two bones in your jaw together breaks or wears away.
Cartilage absorbs shocks during movement and allows your bones to glide easily over each other. At this point, you may experience both pain and swelling and you will begin to lose the function of your jaw.
Muscle Disorders (Myofascial Pain)
Also referred to as myofascial pain, muscle disorders involve pain and discomfort in all the muscles controlling the function of your jaw. This type of TMJ disorder can cause pain all along your jaw, neck, shoulders and back.
Joint Derangement Disorders/Displaced Disc
A soft, small disc located between the temporal bone and the condyle makes the opening and closing of the jaw smooth and easy. As you move your jaw, this little disc is helpful for absorbing any shock that may otherwise be felt.
When an individual has a joint derangement disorder, the inner workings of the jaw are disrupted or unbalanced due to a dislocated disc or damaged bone.
This displaced disc causes internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. Currently, there is no surgical solution to this problem.
The Symptoms You May Experience With TMJ Disorders
With every type of TMJ Disorder, you’ll likely experience pain in your jaw and face. The area around your ears may hurt, and you’ll feel an ache when you open your mouth to eat or talk.
Some of the other symptoms that you may experience with TMJ disorders include:
- Facial bruising or swelling
- Problems opening, closing or clenching your jaw
- Headaches, dizziness or pain in your temples
- Grinding, clicking or popping sounds when you open your jaw
- Additional pain in your neck and/or shoulders
The Treatments That May be Recommended For TMJ Disorders
If at-home remedies such as avoiding stress, chewing gum, gently massaging your neck and jaw muscles, or trying over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have not proven effective, you should make a dental appointment.
Your dentist will review your dental history, thoroughly examine your bite and jaw, and take x-rays to assess before providing an official diagnosis of TMJ Disorder. The treatment he or she recommends may include:
- TMJ therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Oral Surgery
- Dental splints
- Prescription medications
Your dentist can help you manage your TMJ Disorder with a combination of home remedies and attentive dental care.