Is it difficult to open your mouth from stiffness or pain? Maybe your jaw clicks or pops when you move it? You might have a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on either side of your face, connecting your jaw to your skull. If the joints function incorrectly, your jaw can be stiff or tender. Simple tasks, like chewing or yawning, can be difficult or painful. Don’t worry, here are the solutions you need to treat a TMJ disorder.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
A disorder of the TMJs occurs when the function of the jaw is painful or limited. It can produce many symptoms, which can include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Facial pain
- Jaw locking in one position
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds or sensations
- Ear pain or tinnitus
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Headaches
Symptoms can affect your quality of life and overall wellness. Certain foods can be difficult to eat, which may cause limitations in your diet that can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Not to mention, speaking and yawning can be uncomfortable.
What Causes a TMJ Disorder?
There’s no single cause of a TMJ disorder, but common culprits include:
- An unbalanced bite
- Previous injury to the jaw
- Arthritis
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
Home Remedies to Manage Jaw Pain
You can manage your TMD symptoms at home using a few simple remedies, like:
- Jaw Exercises: Jaw-strengthening exercises can improve flexibility and oral functions.
- Stress-Relieving Exercises: Reducing stress can prevent grinding and clenching your teeth, which can cause TMJ symptoms to flare.
- Soft Food Diet: Eating soft foods that require minimal chewing can reduce inflammation.
- Hot and Cold Compresses: Alternating between hot and cold compresses can decrease tension and stiffness.
- Anti-inflammatories: An anti-inflammatory can reduce swelling and pain.
When to See a TMJ Specialist
If changes at home aren’t enough to improve your symptoms, it’s time to turn to a TMJ specialist. They will examine your mouth and oral structures to determine what’s causing your pain. Depending on the source of the disorder, they’ll create a personalized treatment plan, which may include:
- Orthodontics: Braces can fix a misaligned bite to improve the relationship between the upper and lower teeth to take the stress off the joint.
- Oral Appliance: An oral appliance is worn at night to retrain the jaw to rest in a more comfortable position.
- Nightguard: A night guard provides a cushion between the top and bottom teeth if you have a habit of grinding or clenching. It will absorb the pressure and friction to reduce stress on your jaw.
You don’t have to live with a stiff or tender jaw. TMJ therapy will provide the solutions you need to stop your pain and restore your quality of life. You won’t have to think twice before enjoying a juicy hamburger or taking a big yawn.
About Dr. Pamela West
Dr. West earned her dental degree at the University of Southern California Dental School and has regularly pursued continuing education in advanced services, like sleep medicine and neuromuscular dentistry. If you need treatment for TMD, request an appointment through our website or call (702) 602-4000.