Millions of people experience pain and dysfunction in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Symptoms are often made worse by bad habits, like chewing gum or eating tough foods (like beef jerky), or behaviors that stress the muscles around the jaw. Avoiding hard, chewy foods, practicing stress reduction techniques, and avoiding habits that strain the jaw and neck can help manage tmj symptoms. Applying moist heat or cold packs, and practicing proper posture can also alleviate pain and swelling. In severe cases, arthrocentesis or a joint injection (prolotherapy) may be helpful.
Symptoms can include pain when chewing or biting, clicking or popping, and limited movement of the jaw. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options.
Pain
TMJ disorders are problems with the jaw muscles and joint that connect your lower jaw to your skull. There are 2 matching temporomandibular joints on each side of your head, located in front of your ears.
TMD symptoms include pain in your jaw, ear or neck, clicking or popping noises when you open and close your mouth, and limited movement of your jaw. You may also have headaches or trouble chewing and swallowing.
TMD symptoms can often be treated at home, such as eating a soft diet and applying ice or heat to the area. Exercises that help stretch the jaw muscles and reduce stress can also be helpful. If at-home treatments don’t ease your pain, a healthcare professional specializing in TMD may recommend further testing and treatment options.
Tightness
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) on both sides of the head operate like sliding hinges that open and close your mouth. They move hundreds, if not thousands of times per day. When they’re damaged, dysfunction occurs throughout the head and neck muscles.
TMJ can lead to jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when chewing or opening the mouth wide, a locked jaw, headaches, stiff neck and shoulders, tooth grinding or clenching (bruxism), earaches, or swelling on the sides of the face.
Clicking or popping
If you hear popping or clicking sounds when chewing, yawning, talking, or opening your mouth wide, this could indicate that the cushioning disc in your TMJ is out of place. TMD is a group of disorders that affects the muscles and joints that control jaw movement.
TMJ problems can be caused by repetitive habits such as clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep (bruxism). Over time, this can cause the muscles that control your jaw to become hyperactive and enlarged, and a misalignment of the bones in your face can occur. The result is pain, a limited range of motion, and other symptoms. If your jaw is clicking or popping, it’s important to see a TMD specialist. This will help you find the root cause and get treatment right away.
Noises
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located on both sides of the head, and connects your jawbone to the skull. It’s a slip hinge type of joint that allows for more movement than other joints in your body, but can also make you more susceptible to problems like clicking or popping noises.
These sounds are usually related to a disc in the jaw joint that gets pushed out of place when you open your mouth. A third of all people have clicking jaws, and they don’t necessarily need to see a dentist, but if the clicking is accompanied by pain or limited movement, medical attention may be needed.
The Clinicians at Feather Touch Dental Care can help you determine the root cause of your jaw noises and develop a treatment plan to resolve the issue. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Limited movement
The temporomandibular joint combines hinge action with sliding motions to help you chew, talk and express emotions. Unfortunately, bad habits can irritate the TMJ, leading to pain and dysfunction.
TMJ symptoms include clicking, popping and limited movement of the jaw. It’s important to find relief through conservative remedies, such as moist heat and ice, jaw-muscle stretching and relaxation exercises, and biofeedback.
Stress, teeth clenching and grinding, slouching or poor posture can all make TMJ worse. Your doctor can suggest ways to improve these habits, and can prescribe splints or bite plates to help with clenching and grinding. If pain is severe, they can also prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. TMDs can be chronic, so it’s best to exhaust all reversible treatments before pursuing more permanent solutions.