Temporomandibular joint dysfunction or TMJ is a common problem that tends to affect more women than men and often occurs between age 20 and 40 but can develop at any age. The cause of TMJ can vary, and most of the symptoms are due to the jaw joints or jaw muscles becoming inflamed, causing pain that can often appear as a chronic headache. TMJ can also restrict movement in the lower jaw, and some people notice their jaw makes a clicking or popping sound. However, if your jaw does click or pop, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have TMJ. In addition, symptoms of TMJ can vary considerably from one person to another.
Signs of TMJ
One of the most common signs is pain, especially when you chew food or just yawn. Your ability to move your jaw joint comfortably is limited, making it difficult to eat or speak, and this can be due to the muscle becoming tighter or pain when you try to move your jaw. When you do move your jaw, it may make a grating, clicking or popping sound. If TMJ causes headaches, these can affect the temples. The pain can also affect your teeth, shoulders and neck and jaws. Some people develop tinnitus or lose some of their hearing, and it can even cause dizziness.
How Is TMJ Treated?
Treating TMJ can be complex as often several factors can cause this condition. Initially, when you first visit West Bowmanville Family Dental, our dentist in Newcastle will gently assess your jaws, testing the range of movement and checking for signs of inflammation in your jaw joints. They may want to take diagnostic images, including x-rays or possibly a cone beam CT scan to assess your jaw joints in greater detail. A cone beam CT scan can be especially useful because it shows hard and soft tissues in clear 3-D images. The dentist will also check your teeth and gums.
Sometimes TMJ is caused by a condition called bruxism, which can be a common sign of TMJ. Bruxism in Courtice is caused by clenching and grinding your teeth, and because it’s a nocturnal habit, it’s easily overlooked. Signs of bruxism include having jaw ache when you wake up and noticing your teeth look worn and chipped or that your gums have begun to recede. Tooth sensitivity can be another sign because bruxism wears away the protective layer of tooth enamel coating your teeth.
One effective way to treat bruxism is with a custom-made night splint or night guard. This is a plastic appliance that fits over your teeth and is designed to be comfortable to wear. When you use it, it prevents your teeth from contacting, preventing bruxism. Some people only need to wear the appliance for a short while to break the habit, while others may need to use it longer. If bruxism is causing problems and has damaged your teeth, your dentist can also discuss suitable treatment to help restore them.
Working With Other Health Professionals
There is a range of treatments that can be useful in alleviating the pain and discomfort of TMJ in Clarington, and where your dentist will work with other health professionals. These professionals may include chiropractors, physiotherapists, and massage therapists, and physicians. Taking a holistic approach can help determine the root cause of TMJ pain and may involve assessing lifestyle habits, dietary and sleep patterns and exercise habits. This can be more effective than merely treating the symptoms and can provide a long-term solution.
