What is TMJ Disorder? (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)
Do you have jaw pain, constant headaches, or a “popping” jaw? If so, you could have TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder. The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull, and when it gets irritated, strained, or misaligned, it can lead to TMJ disorders.
In this blog, we’ll go over the most common signs of TMJ and when you should schedule an appointment with an orthodontist to seek TMJ relief.
The Common Signs of TMJ
TMJ can show up in different ways. Some people get sharp discomfort while others experience slow, mild changes that get worse over time. It’s good to be aware of TMJ signs so you can catch it early before it gets worse. These are the most common symptoms of TMJ:
Jaw Pain
Jaw pain is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ. It can come on slowly or show up as a sudden, sharp pain. If you have jaw pain when you chew, talk, yawn, or even when your jaw is resting, it could be TMJ. Some people get TMJ jaw pain on one side, while others get it on both.
Facial Pain and Pressure
A TMJ disorder can also cause facial pain and pressure since your jaw is connected to a lot of muscles in your face and head. This pain can also spread to your ears, temple, and neck. TMJ-related orofacial pain feels like a sore or tight feeling that gets worse when you move your jaw. Some patients describe it as a tired or heavy feeling in their face.
Clicking or Popping
Does your jaw click or pop when you open your mouth? Clicking and popping sounds can happen when a joint moves in a way it shouldn’t. Grinding sounds might mean the cushioning disc inside your jaw joint is worn or slipping. These symptoms aren’t always a problem, especially if they’re painless, but they can be early signs of TMJ.
Jaw Locking
A locked jaw or limited jaw movement is a big red flag that something is wrong with your temporomandibular joint. Locking can happen when your disc inside your TMJ gets dislocated. Some patients get mild stiffness, while others lock up completely.
Unusual Tooth Wear from Clenching or Grinding
When your jaw is out of balance, your teeth may grind together without you realizing it, especially at night. This grinding can lead to flat spots, chips, fractures, and thinned enamel. Our orthodontists look for these kinds of unusual tooth wear when patients come in with TMJ disorders.
Secondary Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders
The temporomandibular joint is connected to all kinds of nerves and muscles in your head, neck, and shoulders, so temporomandibular disorders can lead to symptoms you wouldn’t think of. Here are some secondary symptoms to watch out for:
- Headaches
- Ear ringing and ear fullness
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Bite changes
- Trouble chewing
When You Should See a Doctor or Orthodontist
Getting Your Temporomandibular Joint Checked Out
Don’t panic if you notice any of the symptoms above. Sometimes TMD symptoms come and go. But if your symptoms persist and are causing you a good deal of joint pain, you should see a doctor or an orthodontist. We recommend scheduling an appointment with us if you’ve had ongoing symptoms for more than a few weeks.
The good news is that many patients can get relief from TMJ disorder with noninvasive treatments:
TMJ Treatment Options
Orthodontics and Bite Care
If you have an imbalanced bite, it can make your jaw shift or overwork certain muscles. When you schedule an appointment with Hutta Orthodontic Specialists, we’ll check how your teeth fit together to see if your bite is part of the problem. We can get you started with braces or clear aligners to guide your jaw into a more aligned position.
Custom Nightguards
A custom nightguard can give you relief if your TMJ disorder has come about because you grind your teeth at night. Unlike store-bough nightguards, we mold your custom nightguard to your exact bite to support your jaw in a relaxed position throughout the night. Over time, this relieves the pressure on your joint. Custom nightguards also help prevent grinding-related tooth damage.
Physical Therapy
Many TMJ issues come from tight and overworked jaw muscles. Jaw exercises and physical therapy can help you strengthen your jaw and make it more mobile. We can refer you to a physical therapist that specializes in TMJ. These professionals use massages, stretching, guided movements, posture exercises, and relaxation techniques to help you train your jaw.
Stress Management Techniques
A lot of people clench their jaw and grind their teeth at night when they’re stressed. Stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and stretching can help you loosen up your jaw and relieve TMD pain.
Specialist Treatments
If you have an especially long-lasting or unusual TMJ disorder, we can also refer you to a specialist that focuses on jaw joint, jaw bone, and oral conditions. A specialist can evaluate your nerves, your temporomandibular joint, and deeper muscular issues. Surgery and injections usually aren’t needed, even for severe cases of TMJ.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ
How do I know if my jaw pain is from TMJ?
If your pain gets worse when you chew, talk, or open your mouth, the TMJ could definitely be involved. Clicking and popping is also a very common sign of TMJ. But a professional evaluation is the only way to know for sure.
Can TMJ disorders go away on their own?
Some mild cases of TMJ will get better if you just rest your jaw for a while. But if you have a significant case of TMJ, you might need professional help. The sooner you catch TMJ and find a solution that works for you, the better.
Is it normal to have headaches from TMJ?
Yes, headaches are very common with TMJ disorders because your jaw muscles connect to areas around your temples and forehead. When the temporomandibular joint and the muscles around it are irritated, this can cause tension headaches.
Contact Hutta Orthodontic Specialists Today
TMJ Disorder Treatment in Columbus Ohio
The good news is that you can improve your TMJ symptoms quickly with the right care. Call Hutta Orthodontic Specialists today to schedule an appointment. Our orthodontists will evaluate your jaw, get to the root of your symptoms, and help you get relief from your TMJ symptoms.
Call our office at (614) 516-4383 to schedule an appointment today. Let’s get you back to eating and talking without pain again.