Who is affected by TMJ disorders? 

TMD is a common ailment, although medical experts differ on how many suffer from this disorder. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that over 10 million Americans are affected by TMD. Although men and women of all ages can suffer from TMJ disorders, one demographic is particularly affected. Women are nine times more likely than men to be diagnosed with TMJ disorders, which may be due to higher stress levels. 

What is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)? 

Let’s look at the human body, and the role joint health plays in mobility. Usually, when we think of joint health we consider hips, knees, and wrists. But often we overlook the joints in the jaw, which is one of the most important parts of the entire body. The jaw supports critical human movements and is essential for speaking, chewing, singing, and breathing.   

The temporomandibular joint, commonly abbreviated as TMJ, is an articulation of the skull and the lower jaw. Each side of your head has a temporomandibular joint directly under each ear. A ball and socket structure gives you the ability to open and close your mouth. As you open your mouth, the upper ends of the mandible smoothly glide along the joint socket at the skull base. When you close your mouth, they slide back into their original position. To make this motion smooth, there is a soft disc of muscle tissue between the joint socket and condyle. This tissue disc absorbs all the shock caused by joint pressure, allowing you to chew and speak without pain or friction.

The muscles controlling your temporomandibular joints attach to the mandible and move your jaw both vertically and horizontally. This three-way movement makes the TMJ one of the most complicated joints in the body. What makes the TMJ special is its unique status as the only joints in the human body that work together as one cohesive unit. 

What is TMJ Disorder?  

Temporomandibular disorders (TMJ/TMD) have historically been under-researched and misunderstood. However, recent research is uncovering new symptoms and risk factors. Researchers no longer view TMD as a minor issue that only affects the mouth and jaw. Now, studies show that TMD is a complex problem affecting multiple body systems, including the circulatory, digestive, immune, muscular, respiratory, endocrine, exocrine, reproductive, nervous, and skeletal systems. 
Although TMJ and TMD are quite different, people often use the terms interchangeably. TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, while TMD refers to the disorder affecting this joint. 

What are the symptoms of TMD? 

Because of their many symptoms, patients can find it difficult to self-diagnose temporomandibular disorders. Often, the disorder presents differently in each patient, so your symptoms may differ from others. The most common symptoms of TMD include: 

• Chronic headaches 

• Stiffness in the muscles of the jaw and mouth 

• Limited jaw mobility 

•  Pain in the neck and shoulders 

• Pressure or pain in the ears 

• A grating sensation in the jaw when the mouth opens or closes 

• A clicking noise in the jaw 

• A bite that feels “off” 

• Clouded vision 

• Dizziness 

• Swelling and discomfort in the facial tissue 

What causes TMD? 

Over time, chronic stress or tension can cause your body to develop temporomandibular disorders. If you carry a lot of stress in your shoulders and jaw, this ongoing pressure can injure your jaw muscles. Other common causes are dental and orthodontic issues. Misaligned jaws create bite problems, also known as malocclusion, and the pressure from a bad bite can eventually lead to jaw disorders. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, creates immense pressure on the molars and jaw. This pressure, similar to malocclusion, strains your muscles, fractures your teeth, and forces your jaw out of alignment. 

Injuries and force trauma can also damage the TMJ. Injury-related TMD is common. One review of the literature suggests that TMJ pain is significantly higher in whiplash patients. Car accidents and other injuries can create severe problems in the neck and jaw. 

Arthritis can also cause TMD. Like any joint in the body, the temporomandibular joints endure wear and tear. Over time, the cartilage begins to thin. The bone beneath the cartilage becomes exposed, causing severe pain. Arthritis-related TMD is more common in older patients, but even patients in their 20s can experience jaw pain from arthritis. 

TMD Risk Factors 

 
Are you likely to develop TMD? Many risk factors contribute to TMD, some of which are predetermined and some preventable. To maintain optimal health, you should understand whether you are prone to TMD and take steps to reduce your risk. 

Studies agree on one fact: women of childbearing age are most prone to developing TMD. Whether stress or hormones cause this, women should especially watch for early signs of TMJ pain. 

One unexpected risk factor to watch for is medication. Many medications, particularly those used to treat anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and Parkinson’s, can cause teeth grinding as a side effect. As mentioned earlier, teeth grinding often leads to temporomandibular joint disorders. If you are taking medication, check with your doctor to ensure it isn’t causing jaw pain. 

Scientists have found that many factors that cause TMJ disorders are genetic. Ask your family if anyone else has experienced similar symptoms. If TMJ runs in your family, consider adopting preventative measures. 

 
In addition to various other health issues, the way you breathe plays a critical role in jaw health. People who habitually breathe through their mouths are at a higher risk for jaw misalignment. If you notice you are regularly breathing through your mouth, seek treatment. Unless you address this issue, it can cause severe pain and TMD. 
Other causes include autoimmune diseases, medical procedures, and various environmental factors. Additionally, genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors can increase the risk for TMJ. Studies show that genetic factors contribute to TMJ and are leading researchers to discover new ways to treat the disorder. 

Diagnosing TMD 

Before TMD can be treated, it needs to be diagnosed. Diagnosis by a medical professional involves a few steps. First, a clinical evaluation will be made, as your doctor examines your jaw, face, and neck. Next, they will review your medical history. They may ask questions about your family’s history with TMD, and discuss any previous injuries or procedures. Lastly, you may need to go through tests. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are all effective ways to check for TMJ disorders. You may want to request an MRI, as this technology has proven to be the safest and most effective for detecting TMD. Your doctor may recommend at-home treatments, or he may refer you to a dentist, orthodontist, or TMD specialist. 

Is TMJ treatable? 

The good news about treating TMD is that most cases are self-limiting, meaning that they will resolve on their own. Therefore, to aid recovery, a conservative approach will be the best. Surgical intervention will rarely be required, as most cases are not dangerous, only uncomfortable. Keep in mind that occasional clicking is not necessarily a cause for concern. After a few months, this problem will often go away without treatment. However, you should still see a doctor. While some cases resolve on their own, many worsen. Because TMD is easier to treat in the early stages, we recommend that you schedule an exam as soon as possible. This ensures that any challenging cases can be caught before they become truly problematic and cause severe pain. 

Conservative Treatments: 

Most patients with TMJ experience mild symptoms. Simple home therapy can quickly relieve pain and reduce your risk of developing TMD again. When dealing with TMD, The National Institutes of Health recommends that you always choose the most conservative and reversible treatments available. Reversible treatments do not cause permanent changes to the jaw, TMJ, teeth, or face, and they do not involve surgery. This means you should seek orthodontic treatments only if your doctor recommends them. Start with simple self-care treatments and avoid extreme jaw movements. 

For pain management, try over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication, and use a heat or ice pack to reduce pain. Rest your jaw muscles as much as possible. To do this, avoid chewing hard items, singing loudly, speaking excessively, yawning widely, and chewing gum. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to have a professional check for issues like bruxism and malocclusion. Ask your doctor for exercises to stretch strained muscles. Practice breathing and mindfulness techniques, as reducing mental stress can help relax your muscles, which may ease TMD symptoms. 

When should you seek professional help for TMD?  

If you experience severe pain, a locked jaw, or symptoms that persistently interfere with your daily life, it’s time to seek professional help. Depending on your symptoms, your dentist can create a mouthguard or splints to prevent teeth grinding or, in extreme cases, perform surgery. 

In addition, dentists now have another solution for TMD. Instead of undergoing a surgical procedure with a long healing time and high cost, your dentist (if certified) can inject Botox into your jaw. Two studies have shown that Botox reduces symptoms. One study even found that in cases where other treatments did not work, Botox was 90% effective.

Lastly, you may experience symptom relief with acupuncture, a massage, or chiropractic care. 

Conclusion 

TMJ is a common condition but can easily be treated by your dentist or at home. Early intervention and treatment is crucial in order to prevent complications. With the right approach, TMD can be easily overcome. 

Knoxville Family Dental is here to help you with all of your dental needs, which is why we invite you to schedule an appointment with us today and get a consultation to find out if you have TMD or another condition needing treatment.