The Basics of TMJ
Jaw pain is never enjoyable and for some, it directly impacts their lives. When the pain is more significant and does not easily resolve itself, the culprit may lie in your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and warrant further examination from our Canton TMJ dentists. Fortunately, we do have TMJ treatment options available to alleviate discomfort and restore proper function to the jaw.
Here’s what you need to know about this condition so you can take the first step toward effective relief and improved oral health.
What Does “TMJ” Mean?
The temporomandibular joints are located on each side of your jaw, connecting it to the skull. These joints play a crucial role in everyday activities such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. When the TMJs function properly, they allow for smooth, pain-free movement of the jaw. However, dysfunction in this area, known as , can lead to discomfort, limited mobility, and other complications.
Common causes of TMJ disorders include jaw injuries, arthritis, and chronic teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism). Misalignment of the jaw or teeth, known as malocclusion, is another contributing factor. Stress can significantly exacerbate the condition by increasing muscle tension and jaw clenching. Hormonal changes, particularly in women, and certain connective tissue diseases can also influence the development of TMD. Understanding these causes helps tailor treatment to address both the symptoms and underlying factors.
How We’ll Evaluate Your Condition
All jaw issues aren’t immediately . Of course, oral pain is still something that should be taken seriously which is why we’ll utilize several diagnostic methods and possibly even consult with your primary care doctor to be sure what you’re experiencing is indeed a TMJ disorder.
First, our dentists will start with a dental exam where we’ll observe:
- How well you can open/close your mouth (range of motion)
- Whether you notice discomfort if certain areas of your face or jaw are pressed
- The feeling of your jaw joints as you open/close your mouth
Anything abnormal found will be further examined using dental X-rays. Looking beneath the surface will allow our dentists to confirm any suspicions they may have and gather additional information that can influence your treatment. If our dentists believe that other scans, i.e., CT or MRI, are needed, we will let you know.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Depending on the severity of your condition, TMJ disorder treatments can vary. One of the most common causes of TMJ is teeth grinding, or what dentists call “bruxism.” A preventative option to this may be a custom night guard to protect your teeth.
In some cases, you may benefit from TMJ therapy which is often a collection of easy to follow jaw exercises you can do anywhere. We’re a big fan of this method because these exercises are pain-free, non-surgical, and can:
- Make the jaw muscles stronger
- Help relax the jaw
- Lead to greater jaw mobility and better healing
- Reduce the instance of jaw clicking
Depending on the severity of the condition, surgery may be beneficial. We try to keep this as a last resort, but don’t want you to fear it should surgery become necessary.
How TMJ Pain Can Affect Kids
While treating a TMJ disorder is often associated with adults, children can also experience jaw pain due to issues like nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism) or sports-related injuries. Teeth grinding during sleep is surprisingly common among children and can result from stress, misaligned teeth, or even certain medical conditions. Over time, this habit places immense strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to symptoms such as jaw soreness, headaches, or difficulty chewing.
Sports injuries are another frequent cause of TMJ problems in children, particularly in contact sports like soccer, basketball, or wrestling. A direct hit to the jaw can displace the TMJ or lead to muscle inflammation, causing discomfort that affects eating, speaking, or even sleep. Parents might not always recognize the signs of a TMJ issue, as children may have trouble articulating their symptoms.
That’s why it’s crucial to seek care from a dental professional who can diagnose the root cause and provide effective treatment, whether that’s a custom night guard, orthodontic solutions, or protective mouth guards for sports. Addressing these issues early can prevent long-term damage and help your child enjoy a pain-free, healthy smile.
Request an Appointment
If you still have questions about TMJ disorder or want to request an appointment to have your jaw assessed, feel free to contact us online or give Hometown Dental a call today at (734) 667-4941. Our TMJ dentists in Canton, MI, are here to help you have a smile you love.
This blog post has been updated.