TMJ syndrome can cause distressing symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, teeth grinding, and difficulty moving the jaw. However, many of these symptoms can also occur with other conditions. This blog explains when you should contact us for a consultation to determine whether TMJ or another condition is causing your symptoms.
Why Seek TMJ Treatment?
TMJ has a unique effect on patients' physical and emotional well-being. Patients with TMJ syndrome frequently feel anxious and fatigued from coping with their discomfort. In turn, fatigue and anxiety cause more jaw clenching and teeth grinding, making the syndrome worse.
While you may worry that your condition is permanent, TMJ treatment is highly effective, and most of our patients find relief from non-invasive measures such as diet changes and gentle stretches.
If you feel any discomfort related to the symptoms below, seek our help as soon as possible. You should not have to endure TMJ disorder without hope for a resolution. We would be glad to see you in our office and provide the best treatment for your condition.
Symptoms Associated With TMJ
TMJ can significantly impact your quality of life and affect your mood and energy levels. Some of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Discomfort in the jaw joint and/or chewing muscles
- Pain spreading from the jaw to the face or neck
- Stiff jaw
- Restricted jaw movement or jaw locking
- Clicking and popping sounds with pain (without pain, this is not considered a TMJ symptom)
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Change in dental bite or the way teeth fit together
How Orthodontists Diagnose TMJ
With such a long list of possible symptoms, your orthodontist needs to consider various factors in diagnosis. Your medical history will be vital for your doctor to review. They will ask you to describe your symptoms fully, including the type of pain, location, and what helps it or makes it worse.
Our orthodontists will provide a complete examination of the jaw, face, neck, and head to identify affected areas. They may also order X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to evaluate internal structures.
How TMJ Treatment Works
Supportive home care works well for many patients with TMJ. Tactics include:
Diet Adjustment
If patients eat tough foods like steak, switching to a softer diet allows the muscles to relax.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Use warm or cold packs on the outside of your face, choosing whichever temperature provides relief.
Jaw Exercises
Your orthodontist or physical therapist can provide helpful exercises to relax and strengthen the jaw muscles.
Habit Modification
Avoid jaw clenching, gum chewing, and nail biting. Changing your daily habits can be a struggle for some, but the payoff is worth it.
Mouth Guards
We prescribe custom-made mouth guards for patients with TMJ. These guards help prevent jaw clenching and teeth grinding during sleep.
Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers help many TMJ sufferers.
What If It is Not TMJ?
If we determine that TMJ disorder is not a factor for you, we will investigate further and refer you to another professional if necessary.
Conditions mimicking TMJ include:
- Dental abscesses
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Neuralgia
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Injury
- Tension or migraine headaches
- Sinusitis
- Bruxism (teeth grinding) when it is unrelated to TMJ
- Shingles
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment
What does TMJ stand for?
TMJ is the common name for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The temporomandibular joints that move your jaw are highly complex sliding hinges that allow a full range of motion. These joints can become inflamed due to arthritis or injury. The connected muscles could experience strain from multiple sources. When these symptoms disrupt your life, it is time to seek help.
What are the causes of TMJ?
TMJ has multiple causes. In many patients, the condition starts with an injured jaw joint. Arthritis can also cause dysfunction by gradually breaking down the joint. In some patients, repetitive movements such as jaw clenching or gum chewing can contribute to the disorder. Stress and anxiety can also be a significant factor.
At Hass Family Orthodontics, we help patients in our community overcome the discomfort that accompanies TMJ and related issues. To learn more about your options or to schedule a consultation, please get in touch with us today.