Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
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Jaw Pain
What is the Temporomandibular Joint?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint
that slides and rotates just in front of your ear, consisting of the temporal
bone (side and base of the skull) and the mandible (lower jaw). Mastication
(chewing) muscles connect the lower jaw to the skull, allowing you to move your
jaw forward, sideways, and open and close.
The joint works properly when the lower jaw and its joint (both the right and left) are synchronized during movement. Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) may occur when the jaw twists during opening, closing or side-motion movements. These movements affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control chewing.
What is Temporomandibular Disorder?
TMD describes a variety of conditions that
affect jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and nerves associated with chronic
facial pain. Symptoms may occur on one or both sides of the face, head or jaw,
or develop after an injury. TMD affects more than twice as many women than men
and is the most common non-dental related chronic orofacial pain.
What causes TMD?
Normal function for this muscle group includes
chewing, swallowing, speech and communication. Most experts suggest that certain
tasks, either mental or physical, cause or aggravate TMD, such as strenuous
physical tasks or stressful situations. Most discomfort is caused from overuse
of the muscles, specifically clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism).
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These excessive habits tire the jaw muscles and lead to discomfort, such as headaches or neck pain. Additionally, abnormal function can lead to worn or sensitive teeth, traumatized soft tissues, muscle soreness, jaw discomfort when eating, and temporal (side) headaches.
What TMD symptoms can I experience?
An earache without an infection
Jaw pain or soreness that is more prevalent in the morning or late
afternoon
Jaw pain when you chew, bite or yawn
Clicking when opening and closing your mouth
Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
Locked or stiff jaw when you talk, yawn or eat
Sensitive teeth when no dental problems can be found
What can I do to treat TMD?
The majority of cases can be treated by unloading
(resting) the joint, taking a nonaspirin pain reliever and practicing stress
management and relaxation techniques. It's important to break bad habits to ease
the symptoms. Most treatment for TMD is simple, often can be done at home, and
does not need surgery. For example, control clenching or grinding during the day
by sticking your tongue between your teeth. If you still experience pain, you
may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night. So see your dentist for a
nighttime mouthguard.
Most people will experience relief with minor treatment. More severe cases may be treated with physical therapy, ice and hot packs, posture training and orthopedic appliance therapy (splint). Eating soft foods and avoiding chewing gum also help relax the muscles.
Is TMD permanent?
The condition is often cyclical and may recur
during times of stress, good or bad. As the patient, you should be active in
your treatment, by being aware of the causes of your jaw problems after seeing a
dentist for a diagnosis regime. Make routine dental appointments, so your doctor
can check TMD on a regular basis.
Dr. Patrick A. Palma
620 Commercial Street Mingo Junction, Ohio 43938
Telephone : 740 - 535 - 0600
Fax : 740 - 535 - 1920
Copyright © 2005 [Dr. Patrick A. Palma]. All rights reserved.