What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) refers to a variety of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint is essential for crucial activities like speaking, chewing, and yawning. When the joint is misaligned or its movement is restricted, it can lead to pain and dysfunction in the jaw and surrounding muscles. TMJ can cause a range of symptoms, including jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, and even a locked jaw. Various factors contribute to TMJ, such as teeth grinding, jaw injuries, arthritis, or stress. Our dentist in Los Gatos can assess your symptoms, determine the underlying causes, and recommend effective treatment options to restore comfort and function.
What Causes TMJ and Jaw Pain?
The primary causes of TMJ and jaw pain include:
- Misalignment of the Joint: When the temporomandibular joint is out of alignment, it causes the jawbone to move incorrectly, which places undue stress on the surrounding muscles, leading to pain and discomfort.
- Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism): Often occurring at night, teeth grinding or clenching is a common cause of TMJ. Stress, misaligned teeth, or an improper bite can lead to subconscious jaw clenching, causing muscle strain and joint dysfunction.
- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the jaw joint, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness, which can contribute to TMJ.
- Jaw Injury or Trauma: Accidents, sports injuries, or falls that affect the jaw can result in misalignment, leading to TMJ symptoms. This type of trauma may cause long-term issues such as jaw locking or difficulty chewing.
- Stress and Tension: Emotional or physical stress can cause your jaw muscles to tighten, leading to tension, jaw clenching, and even teeth grinding. This strain on the jaw muscles and joint can exacerbate or even trigger TMJ symptoms.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be dealing with TMJ:
- Jaw Pain: This is the most common symptom and can be felt in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. The pain may vary from mild discomfort to sharp, intense aching that worsens with movement.
- Popping or Clicking: A distinctive sound when opening or closing the mouth, often accompanied by discomfort. This may occur if the soft disc within the joint is displaced, causing irregular jaw movement.
- Fatigued Jaw: If your jaw feels sore or tired, even when you’re not using it, this could be a sign of TMJ. Overworked muscles due to misalignment or teeth grinding often lead to this sensation.
- Pain with Chewing or Speaking: TMJ can cause difficulty or pain when chewing or speaking due to restricted jaw movement or muscle strain.
- Locked Jaw: One of the more severe symptoms, where the jaw becomes difficult to open or close due to joint misalignment or muscle dysfunction.
Why Jaw Pain Occurs with TMJ
Jaw pain is a hallmark symptom of TMJ and is primarily caused by the dysfunction or misalignment of the temporomandibular joint. When the joint is out of alignment, it forces the jaw to move abnormally, putting pressure on the surrounding muscles. This causes them to strain and tire, leading to pain that can radiate to the face, neck, shoulders, and even the back. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching further exacerbate this strain, leading to inflammation and increased discomfort. In some cases, inflammation within the joint itself can worsen pain, while nerve compression can lead to sharp, radiating discomfort.
Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder
Fortunately, TMJ is treatable, and a range of options are available depending on the severity of the condition:
- Non-Surgical Approaches: Many cases of TMJ can be managed with non-invasive treatments. Cold and hot compresses can reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles, while over-the-counter pain relievers or muscle relaxants can help ease discomfort. Physical therapy exercises can also improve jaw function and range of motion.
- Mouth Guards or Splints: Custom-fitted mouth guards can help prevent teeth grinding and reduce pressure on the temporomandibular joint, offering relief from pain and discomfort.
- Stress Management: If stress is contributing to your TMJ symptoms, techniques such as relaxation exercises, meditation, or counseling may help reduce jaw clenching and muscle tension.
- Oral Surgery: In rare cases, when conservative treatments have not been effective, oral surgery may be considered. This is typically a last resort and involves procedures to realign the jaw or repair the joint.
Get Relief from TMJ in San Jose/Los Gatos
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking, or a locked jaw, it’s time to find the relief you deserve. Dr. Nancy Nehawandian at Top Down Dental in San Jose/Los Gatos specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder. After evaluating your symptoms and conducting a thorough examination, we will create a customized treatment plan to address the root cause of your pain and restore your jaw’s function. Don’t continue to live with discomfort—contact us online or call (408) 354-5600 to schedule your appointment today.