The problem: Pain when you talk, chew or yawn, ear pain, headaches, clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw, difficulty opening your mouth
What are TMJ disorders?
Your TMJ or Tempomandibular joint is found on both sides of your head, just in front of your ear. This joint attaches your lower jaw to your skull, allowing you to talk, yawn and chew. If you place your fingers in front of your ear and open and close your mouth, you will feel your TMJ moving.
If you have problems with your chewing muscles, ligaments, bones or joints, then your TMJ will not function properly, causing TMJ disorders. TMJ disorders are quite common and thousands of people struggle to cope with the pain and discomfort they cause. The good news is that TMJ disorders can be treated – often with excellent results.
What are the symptoms?
When your chewing muscles and your TMJ don’t work properly, then the muscles will cramp or go into spasm. If left untreated, you may experience a cycle of spasms that could cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Pain or tenderness in your jaw or around your ears
- Headaches
- Pain or discomfort when you are chewing
- Popping or clicking sounds when your mouth opens or closes
- Worn down teeth caused by grinding or clenching your teeth
- Your jaw may get stuck in an open or closed position
How we can help:
There are many causes for TMJ disorders, so treatments may vary. If you have TMJ symptoms, you should visit your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Here are a few of the treatment options that may be suggested for you:
- Usually TMJ Syndrome is caused by an improper bite, meaning that your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together well. Problems with your bite can be corrected by smoothing down the teeth that are too high or by giving you a special appliance to use, called a bite plate to protect your teeth.
- If you grind or clench your teeth, your dentist may make you a night guard to reduce the pain in your jaw and stop you from wearing down your teeth.
- If you continue to get muscle spasms, placing a warm heating pad or ice pack on your jaw may ease your muscles. Or you can try moving to a soft food diet for a time, to allow your jaw to rest and recover before you tackle chewy foods again.
- Your dentist may show you how to do exercises that stretch your jaw muscles and massage techniques to relax muscle spasms.