The temporomandibular joints (TMJ)\u00a0are the 2 joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull, one on each side. \u00a0They are the joints that slide and rotate in front of each ear, and consist of the mandible (the lower jaw) and the temporal bone (the side and base of the skull). \u00a0You can feel them by placing your fingers in front of your ears and opening your mouth.<\/p>\n
The TMJ\u2019s are among the most complex joints in the body, which along with several muscles allow the mandible to move up and down, side to side, and forward and back. When the mandible and the joints are properly aligned smooth muscle actions, such as chewing, talking, yawning, and swallowing are able to take place. When these structures (muscles, ligaments, disk, jaw bone,\u00a0 temporal bone) are not aligned, or synchronized in movement, problems may occur.<\/p>\n
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and the nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Any problem that prevents the complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony may result in temporomandibular disorder (TMD).<\/p>\n
There are three main classes of TMDs:<\/p>\n
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research<\/em> classifies TMD by the following:<\/p>\n It is possible to have one or more of these conditions at the same time.\u00a0 The exact cause of a person’s TMJ disorder may be difficult to determine. Your pain may be due to a combination of factors such as genetics, arthritis or jaw injury. Sometimes the main cause is excessive strain on the jaw joints and the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. This strain may be a result of habitual, involuntary clenching or grinding of your teeth (bruxism<\/em>), although some people who clench or grind their teeth never develop TMJ disorders.\u00a0 Trauma to the jaw, the head, or the neck may also cause TMD. Arthritis and displacement of the jaw joint disks can cause TMJ pain. In other cases, another painful medical condition such as fibromyalgia<\/em> or irritable bowel syndrome<\/em> may overlap with or worsen the pain of TMD. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research<\/em> has identified clinical, psychological, sensory, genetic, and nervous system factors that may put a person at higher risk of developing chronic TMD.<\/p>\n A recent study found that about 11 to 12 million adults in the United States have had pain in the region of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).\u00a0 Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are twice as common in women than in men, especially in women between the ages of 35 and 44 years old.\u00a0 In most cases, the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders is temporary and can be relieved with self-managed care or nonsurgical treatments. Surgery is typically a last resort after conservative measures have failed, but some people with TMJ disorders may benefit from surgical treatments.<\/p>\n The following are the most common signs and symptoms of TMD:<\/p>\n TMJ disorders can cause a clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew. But if there’s no pain or limitation of movement associated with your jaw clicking, you may not need treatment for a TMJ disorder.\u00a0 The symptoms of TMD may look like other conditions or medical problems. \u00a0Make an appointment with Dr. Galaif for an accurate diagnosis.<\/p>\n The best treatment will based on how old you are; your overall health and medical history; how well you can handle specific medicines, procedures, or therapies; how long the condition is expected to last; and your opinion or preference.\u00a0 Dr. Galaif will note your symptoms, and take a detailed medical history. \u00a0He will ask questions about your pain, including its location, when it occurs, what makes it better or worse, and if it stays in one area or spreads to other parts of your body. Dr. Galaif will also ask if you have other pain conditions such as headache or back pain, and examine your head, neck, face, and jaw for tenderness; jaw clicking or popping; or difficulty with movement. He may also suggest imaging studies such as an X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or Computed Tomography (CT).<\/p>\n Treatment(s) may include:<\/p>\n * Resting the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)<\/p>\n * Medicine or pain relievers<\/p>\n * Moist heat or cold packs<\/p>\n * Relaxation techniques and\/or stress management<\/p>\n * Physical therapy, ultrasound or biofeedback<\/p>\n * Acupuncture<\/p>\n * Diet changes (soft foods to rest the jaw muscles, avoiding hard and crunchy, or chewy foods)<\/p>\n * Behavioral changes (including things like improving posture, not holding a phone between your shoulder and ear)<\/p>\n * Limit extreme jaw movements (keeping yawning and chewing, especially gum or ice to a minimum, don\u2019t yell, sing, or do anything that forces you to open wide)<\/p>\n * Trigger point injections<\/p>\n * Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS, using low-level electrical currents to relax your jaw muscles)<\/p>\n * Surgery<\/p>\n Dr. Galaif may also recommend an intraoral appliance to reduce teeth grinding (a device that fits over your teeth, but does not change the teeth or your bite). These appliances are also known as nightguards, splints, occlusal splints, interocclusal splints, or bruxism splints.<\/p>\n TMJ Implants are artificial devices that are used to replace part of the jaw joint or the entire joint. Implants might be considered when:<\/p>\n In certain cases, TMJ implants can improve function and quality of life.<\/p>\n There are several types of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications that can ease TMJ symptoms, including:<\/p>\n * Pain relievers like acetaminophen<\/p>\n * Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen<\/p>\n * Muscle relaxers (particularly helpful for people who clench or grind their teeth)<\/p>\n * Antidepressants (which can change how your body interprets pain)<\/p>\n If you are concerned about TMJ or TMD issues, or if you have other oral health concerns,<\/p>\n\n
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