Your temporomandibular joints are located on both sides of your face where your lower jaw meets your skull. These joints allow your jaw to open and close your mouth. The joints also slide, which enable the side-to-side movements of the jaw.

You are said to have a TMJ disorder when any problem affects this particular joint. The problems most often responsible for TMJ disorders fall into three categories:

• Myofascial pain involving the muscles controlling the jaw
• Internal derangement due to joint injury or a displaced disc
• Degenerative and inflammatory disorders

You can have one, two, or all three problems at the same time.

The most common causes of TMJ disorders include:

• Arthritis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Misaligned jaw
• Acute jaw injuries
• Teeth grinding

Connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus can also lead to TMJ disorders.

The most common symptom of a TMJ disorder is pain which most often affects your jaw. However, you can also develop pain in your temples, cheeks, neck, back, and teeth.

You may also experience:

• Jaw clicking or popping
• Sore jaw muscles
• Muscle spasms
• Ringing in your ears
• Recurrent headaches
• Earaches
• Dizziness

In severe cases, your jaw may lock, making it difficult or impossible to open and close your mouth.

Dr. Christian performs a comprehensive oral exam to rule out other possible problems and to confirm that you have a TMJ disorder. Then she will create an individualized plan based on your specific problem.

Treatment options may include:

You may need to follow a soft diet or limit chewing for a short time. Using moist heat relaxes tight muscles. Your provider may recommend avoiding movements that stress the joint such as yawning, singing, and yelling. They may also teach you exercises to stretch and relax the jaw.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve your pain. If you have severe pain, your provider may prescribe muscle relaxants or recommend other options such as steroids.

Wearing a dental appliance while you sleep protects your teeth from grinding. Your provider may also recommend a stabilization splint or mouth guard to reduce pressure on your jaw, ease muscle tension, and maintain normal alignment.

If you develop jaw pain, call the Snoring & Sleep Apnea Center to schedule an appointment today!