Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is more common than you might think. It happens when the joint that connects your jaw to your skull, called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), gets misaligned or inflamed. Some people call it TMJ or TMJD, but no matter the name, it’s a frequent cause of chronic pain.
Just how common is it?
The National Academies of Science estimated in 2020 that 4.8 percent of American adults had jaw pain likely attributed to TMD. Impacting over 12 million adults, this would make it the common type of chronic facial pain, and just as common as fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, or chronic migraines.
While the exact causes of TMD can vary, it often results from a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle habits, and underlying health conditions.
The Basics of TMD
The TMJ is a pretty complex joint that allows for a wide range of jaw movements, including opening and closing your mouth, chewing, and speaking. It also plays a major role in your ability to make facial expressions.
When the temporomandibular joint fails to operate, either due to inflammation or misalignment, it can lead to one or more of these TMD symptoms:
- Pain in or around the ear
- Tender jaw muscles
- Headaches and/or neck ache
- Pain when yawning, chewing, or opening your mouth wide
- Clicking or popping noises in the jaw
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Jaw joints that feel as if they are "locked" or "stuck"
- Facial spasms
The two temporomandibular joints – one on each side of your face – are associated with eating, speaking, and opening and closing your mouth. So, it nearly goes without saying that interruptions to those functions can drastically decrease your quality of life.
The impact of this disorder on our general society can be tracked by the estimated 17.8 million work hours lost in America every year because of TMD pain.
Developing TMD
TMD is complicated as there is no single medication or treatment that fits all cases, and there isn’t a single factor that leads to its development.
But there are some common causes:
In addition to those factors, certain habits can also increase the risk of TMD. These include:
- Injury to the jaw bone
- Bruxism (grinding or clenching teeth)
- Arthritis of the jaw
- Misaligned teeth
- Stress
In addition to those factors, certain habits can also increase the risk of TMD. These include:
- Chewing gum excessively
- Nail-biting
- Using a cell phone between your shoulder and ear, a habit that can create jaw and neck pain
Genetic Factors Contributing to TMD
While lifestyle factors play a significant role in TMD development, genetics also come into play. The TMJ Association writes, “that there is mounting evidence that TMD is heritable in part, but the story is complex involving the actions of multiple genes, probably interacting with environmental factors.”
Another major biological distinction is the prevalence of TMD in women, who are diagnosed at the three times the rate of men, and treated eight to nine times more often. Women also experience severe TMD pain to a greater degree.
Diagnosing TMD
If TMD symptoms are causing you pain, the disorder can be diagnosed by your general physician, or by a dentist.
Even though dentists don’t typically treat conditions of the upper jaw, their familiarity with your overall oral health and functioning often makes them the most qualified person to provide a TMD diagnosis.
After discussing symptoms, the doctor or dentist may do the following before determining you have a temporomandibular disorder:
- Listen and feel as you open and close your jaw
- Observe and/or measure your jaw’s range of motion
- Use touch to identify tender areas
- Take panoramic x-rays of your teeth and jaw
- Use CT scans to look more closely at bone conditions
- Use MRI to look more closely at joint and soft tissue issues
- Arthroscopy may be used as a surgical tool to view the joint
Treatment Options for TMD
The treatment for TMD will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Many people with mild TMD can manage their symptoms at home with self-care remedies. However, more severe cases may require professional medical intervention.
At-home pain relief options:
Rest: Keep your jaw in a relaxed position, avoiding large movements like chewing or yelling.
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help provide short-term relief from pain and inflammation.
Warm or cold compresses: Applying a warm or cold compress to the affected area can provide temporary relief.
Relaxation techniques: Stress management techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help reduce muscle tension and pain.
Medical interventions:
Mouthguards: Custom-made mouthguards can help prevent teeth grinding and reduce stress on the TMJ.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to improve jaw mobility and reduce muscle tension. Jaw exercise can also be a preventative factor. Take a look at these exercises.
Medication: In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary to manage pain or address underlying conditions.
Steroid injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the TMJ can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to correct severe TMJ problems.
Prevention Strategies for TMD
Temporomandibular prevention is an option that’s far more appealing to most when compared to physical therapy or surgery. While there's no guaranteed way to prevent TMD, adopting certain lifestyle habits can help reduce your risk. These strategies include:
Avoiding clenching or grinding teeth: Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a common cause of TMD. Wearing a mouthguard at night can help protect your teeth and reduce jaw strain.
Dietary mindfulness: Avoid excessively hard or chewy foods that can put strain on the joint.
Managing stress: Chronic stress can exacerbate TMD symptoms. Effective stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, can be beneficial.
Maintaining proper posture: Poor posture can contribute to muscle tension and jaw strain. Be mindful of your posture throughout the day, especially when sitting at a desk or using electronic devices.
With appropriate care, many people with TMD can effectively manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD, contact Hospitality Dental for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.