What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint or the TMJ is a joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint consists of a complex structure that is made up of muscles, tendons, and bones and is located on either side of your jaw. 

Disorders to this joint area are usually associated with jaw pain and other symptoms that can happen at rest or while chewing. In this article, we’ll be talking more extensively about what exactly temporomandibular joint disorder is, along with its causes, symptoms, and treatments and how a dentist can help you.

What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TJD, occurs when the TMJ is injured, damaged, or inflamed. More specifically, TJD is caused by occurrences such as when:

• The cartilage of the joint/s is damaged by arthritis
• The joint was damaged or injured because of a hard blow or impact
• The disk is misaligned and/or eroded

TJDs can lead to pain when chewing, popping of the jaw, swollen sides of the face, headaches, and migraines. 

What Are Other Causes of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

There are other causes of TJD but they are often difficult to identify right away. Some cases of TJDs can be rooted in dental problems such as:

• Teeth or jaw injuries
• Teeth or jaw misalignments or malocclusion 
• Teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching 
• Orthodontic braces 

They can also be caused by other risk factors such as:

• Poor posture
• Excessive gum chewing
• Stress or anxiety 
• Different types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis 
• Genetic history
• Inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders 
• Connective tissue diseases 

What Are The Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

There are various symptoms associated with TJD. They may be the following:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Pain or ache in or around your ear 
• Facial pain or aches
• Joint locks (which makes it hard to open or close your mouth)
• Pain or difficulty while chewing 
• Popping or clicking of the jar (crepitus)
• Toothache pain
• Muscle spasms in the jaw 
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Pain at the base of the tongue
• Headaches and migraines
• Blurred vision

In the event that symptoms or jaw pain continues to persist and you consult your dentist, they will conduct an examination. If they suspect that there is a problem, you will probably need one of the following:

• Dental X-ray to closely examine your teeth and jaw
• CT scan to generate an image of the bones associated with the joint
• MRI to assess the joint’s disk or soft tissue

How Can Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Be Treated?

There are some cases of TJD that can go away without needing treatment. However, it is important to consult your dentist if your symptoms continue to persist. Medication that your dentist will recommend may include:

• Pain relievers along with anti-inflammatories in the event that over-the-counter pain medication are not sufficient to ease the TMJ pain
• Tricyclic antidepressants, which are mostly used for depression but can be used for pain relief, sleeplessness, and bruxism control in low doses
• Muscle relaxants, which can help ease pain caused by muscle spasms

There are also therapies and devices that can help with TJDs. They include the following:

• Oral splints or mouth guards. Oral or dental splints are soft devices placed inside the mouth and over the teeth. They help prevent tooth grinding and ensure that teeth are in proper alignment.
• Physical therapy. With this, you will be performing exercises to help strengthen your jaw muscles by stretching it out. 

Final Thoughts

There are various symptoms of TJD that arise from various causes which more often than not are difficult to pinpoint. However, if you are experiencing any jaw pain or persistent symptoms of TDJ it is best to consult with your dentist so that they can recommend the appropriate medications and treatments for you. 

Are you searching for a dental clinic in the Cranbourne area for pain in your jaw or any other dental procedure? If so, then look no further than Shine Dental Group.

Shine Dental Group offers a full array of dental services to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth and are a trusted and reliable dentist in Cranbourne.

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 5995 9789.