TMJ Treatments

What is TMJ Disorder and How Does It Affect Oral Health?

The TMJ or temporomandibular joint is what allows your mouth to open and close, as well as speak and chew normally. It’s an intricate, complex network of muscles and joints which contributes to the movement of both your jaw and mouth. The TMJ is located on each side of the head and connects the upper part of the head to the mobile jawbone (mandible). Each temporomandibular joint has a delicate disc separating a ball and socket mechanism, similar to the knee or shoulder joint. The disc cushions the pressure while the jaw opens and rotates. If a problem occurs in this complex musculoskeletal system, it can feel extremely painful and tense.

TMJ can be a serious concern when it comes to your oral health because it often is accompanied by problems with grinding or clenching your teeth and jaw misalignment. For this reason, it’s important to have it treated promptly before the problems become long-term and irreversible.

Being able to move your jaw without pain can seem like a dream come true when you’ve been struggling with TMJ disorder (sometimes just called TMJ). When you start to feel pain in your jaw and mouth from chewing, yawning, or talking, you’ll likely notice it constantly. This pain can usually mean something is affecting your TMJ. TMJ disorder is a common condition that affects millions of Americans, but the good news is that it can be treated easily with the help of your dentist. In Midtown Manhattan, Dr. Inna Chern and her team offer treatments for TMJ disorders to New York patients looking for relief.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Jaw Pain and Clicking

One of the most reported symptoms of TMJ disorder is discomfort, especially when chewing. This pain is usually located in the jaw joint on one or both sides of the head and is usually the result of inflammation. Another common symptom is jaw clicking accompanying the pain and a “tired” feeling in the face, neck, shoulder, and upper back region.

Chronic Headaches and Migraines

Some TMJ sufferers experience headaches and migraines as a result of chronic TMJ issues. These are usually caused by tension and inflammation of the delicate muscles that make up the TMJ which include the elevator muscles (responsible for closing the jaw) and the lateral pterygoid (hold the jaw in position so that the teeth can meet).

Jaw Locking

In some severe cases, the jaw can become locked in place because of inflammation of the disc, making it difficult to open or close your mouth all the way. It can also get “stuck” in place when trying to open your mouth too wide. The locking occurs when the disc separating the upper and lower bones of the TMJ gets caught in a position that does not allow the joint to move. Often, the dislocation of the disc needs to be adjusted by your dentist and can be very painful.

Ear, Sinus, and Neck Pain

It’s common for TMJ pain to radiate to other areas of the body including the ears, sinuses, neck, and shoulders. If you experience tension or achiness in these areas, it can be the result of a TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder can also cause symptoms like tinnitus, or ear ringing.

TMJ Disorder Treatments and What to Expect

Oral Devices

Using devices such as mouthguards, oral splints, and oral deprogrammers can help prevent damage to your teeth and joints associated with TMJ disorders as well as bruxism. Additionally, they can help to support and stabilize your muscles and joints to keep your teeth in the correct place when you close your mouth, as well as “guide” your jaw into a more natural position when closing your mouth.

Medications and Botox Treatment

There are a number of medications that can be helpful in treating TMJ disorders and relieving symptoms such as muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and even Botox. Botox can prevent muscle movements through neuromodulation, meaning the TMJ can effectively recover from inflammation and discomfort in the meantime. Botox therapy is excellent for acute pain and lasts 3-5 months.

Relaxation Techniques, Strengthening Exercises, and Massage

Special exercises can help you get relief at home by relaxing the joints and muscles and reducing inflammation. With regular use, these exercises can train the jaw muscles to move without discomfort and relieve tension. Performing a series of exercises for approximately 5-10 minutes each day can stretch the muscles and relax the surrounding areas.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can help manage TMJ disorders and relieve symptoms. In most cases, TMJ disorders go hand-in-hand with stress, so managing stress in your lifestyle can be a great way to start. These changes can also include managing discomfort (and reducing inflammation) with hot or cold packs, avoiding gum or chewy candy, and eating softer foods regularly.

TMJ Disorder Outcomes

In many cases, TMJ disorder is a short-term problem that can be managed with the right steps. That means it will subside over time and you’ll get relief from symptoms with a customized care plan. You may need to take some steps to ensure it doesn’t come back by managing stress and preventing bruxism in the meantime. Dr. Chern will discuss all your options and formulate a treatment plan that suits your needs.