You probably don’t need an advanced medical degree to recognize the importance of properly functioning joints. Knees, ankles, hips, elbows, wrists, fingers—keeping these joints pain-free and moving smoothly is crucial to quality of life. Less frequently discussed but just as important in the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.
The TMJ is the hinge-like joint that connects the lower jawbone to the skull. The TMJ allows you to open and close your mouth to bite, chew, speak, and laugh. TMJ issues encompass a range of conditions that hinder proper jawbone function. While TMJ disorders themselves are not life-threatening, they can cause significant discomfort, impact daily quality of life, and exacerbate other issues.
What Causes TMJ Issues?
The most common cause of TMJ disorder is habitual and excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth and jaw, or “bruxism.” Bruxism is often caused by stress and manifests most commonly during sleep. It puts excessive stress on the TMJ and can lead to jaw pain, difficulty biting, chewing, and speaking, chronic headaches, uneven and accelerated tooth enamel wear, increased tooth sensitivity, and dental breakage.
Unfortunately, bruxism is not alone in threatening the TMJ. There are a variety of other causes — some a bit challenging to pinpoint — that also commonly contribute to TMJ disorders:
- Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory joint conditions.
- Direct traumatic impact to the head, neck, or jaw while playing sports or because of accidental injury.
- Elevated levels of stress and anxiety that lead to excessive muscular tension and clenching, including around the TMJ.
- A malocclusion is a misalignment of the bite in which the upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly and can put undue strain on the TMJ.
What Are Some Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction?
The unpleasantness of TMJ dysfunction can rear its head in many ways. Among the most common physical symptoms of TMJ trouble are:
- Persistent joint and muscle soreness in the jaw
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Reduced comfortable range of motion or locking of the jaw
- Excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth — this can go both ways, with bruxism potentially causing TMJ issues but TMJ issues also bringing about bruxism!
- Flat or worn down chewing surfaces and increased enamel wear
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or routine brushing
- Chronic headaches
How Long Does TMJ Dysfunction Last?
The duration of TMJ disorder and the severity of its effects can vary significantly from person to person. TMJ symptoms, which we just discussed, can persist for anywhere from a few days or weeks to as long as several months or even multiple years! The severity of the symptoms can also vary, with some individuals suffering mild, temporary discomfort while others face more severe and chronically painful symptoms.
Long-Term Risks of Untreated TMJ Issues
As we noted above, while TMJ dysfunction isn’t “dangerous” in and of itself, leaving it untreated can have significant long-term consequences, including:
- Chronic pain in the jaw, face, and neck
- Limited jaw function, including reduced range of motion and difficulty eating and speaking
- Bruxism
- Tension and muscle strain that can trigger chronic headaches.
- Chronic fatigue and cognitive impairment due to insufficient sleep
- Anxiety or depression stemming from persistent discomfort
To avoid these long-term risks, it's crucial to seek prompt diagnosis and treatment at the first signs of TMJ disorder.
Breaking Down Conservative TMJ Treatment Options
Tackling TMJ issues often requires a combination of professional intervention, medical devices, and lifestyle changes. The most conservative TMJ treatment methods include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen) to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area.
- Physical therapy exercises to help strengthen muscles and improve range of motion.
- Practicing stress relief and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga (with potential benefits extending beyond the TMJ!
- Steering clear of especially hard, sticky, or chewy foods that place excess strain on the jaw.
Treating More Serious Cases of TMJ Dysfunction
Dental treatments for TMJ issues can also include using oral appliances like mouthguards (or night guards) or splints. These devices are worn over the teeth to prevent or offset the effects of chronic clenching and grinding, reduce pressure on the TMJ, and help properly align the jaw.
In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be called upon for relief. The procedures most commonly used in these instances include:
- Arthrocentesis — Minimally invasive joint irrigation to relieve pain.
- Arthroscopy — Small-incision surgery to repair TMJ joint structures.
- Open joint surgery — Including joint replacement surgery to correct structural issues in the TMJ.
What Are Dental Nightguards and How Do They Work?
Dental nightguards — or “bite splints,” as they’re also known — are custom-fitted devices designed to protect teeth and jaw muscles from the damaging effects of bruxism. These devices create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, blocking the grinding action that can wear down tooth enamel. Beyond preventing damage, nightguards can also lead to better quality sleep by alleviating pain and tension in the jaw and promoting greater relaxation during sleep.
Among the myriad oral and systemic health benefits of dental nightguards are:
- Dental protection — Nightguards protect teeth from undue wear, chips, and fractures.
- Pain relief — Nightguards mitigate the pain associated with bruxism and TMJ disorders.
- Improved sleep quality — By alleviating the discomfort of tooth grinding and jaw clenching, nightguards contribute to improved sleep. This, in turn, helps ensure that you’re sharp, alert, and at your cognitive best throughout the day, boosting your day-to-day quality of life.
- Long-term cost savings — Dental nightguards often save money in the long run by preventing the need for extensive and expensive corrective procedures.
If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from TMJ dysfunction, whether due to jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or chronic headaches, consult your dentist or another qualified healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis.
Finding the Best Bruxism and TMJ Treatment in Tuscaloosa, AL
If you live in Tuscaloosa, think you might be suffering from TMJ disorder and would like a professional diagnosis to determine the extent of the issues and the appropriate corrective steps, contact Dr. William M. Vandervoort and the friendly and helpful Vandervoort Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation.