Common Causes of TMJ Pain and it’s treatment
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain is a common condition that can result from various causes. Below are the most common causes and their treatments.
1. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching):
Cause: Chronic grinding or clenching of teeth puts excessive pressure on the TMJ.
Treatment:
- Use of a custom night guard or occlusal splint.
- Stress management techniques like mindfulness or counseling.
- Muscle relaxants or physical therapy.
2. Jaw Misalignment or Malocclusion:
Cause: When the upper and lower teeth do not align properly, it can strain the TMJ.
Treatment:
- Orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign.
- Bite adjustment by a dentist.
3. Arthritis in the TMJ:
Cause: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other inflammatory conditions can affect the TMJ.
Treatment:
- Anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., NSAIDs).
- Corticosteroid injections in severe cases.
- Joint protection exercises and physical therapy.
4. Joint Injury or Trauma:
Cause: Direct injury to the jaw or head (e.g., car accident, sports injury).
Treatment:
- Rest and avoidance of excessive jaw movement.
- Application of ice or heat packs.
- Physical therapy to regain mobility and reduce pain.
5. Stress-Related Muscle Tension:
Cause: High stress levels lead to tension in facial and jaw muscles.
Treatment:
- Stress reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, or counseling.
- Jaw exercises to relax the muscles.
6. Disc Displacement:
Cause: The cushioning disc in the TMJ moves out of its normal position, causing pain and restricted jaw movement.
Treatment:
- Physical therapy to improve joint movement.
- Splints to realign the jaw.
- Surgery in severe cases where non-invasive treatments fail.
7. Habits Like Chewing Gum or Nail Biting:
Cause: Overuse of jaw muscles from repetitive activities.
Treatment:
- Behavioral changes to reduce habits.
- Pain management with heat packs or muscle relaxants.
8. Myofascial Pain Syndrome:
Cause: Chronic pain affecting the muscles that control the jaw.
Treatment:
- Trigger-point therapy.
- Oral appliances like splints.
- Physical therapy or dry needling.
9. Structural Abnormalities or Birth Defects:
Cause: Rarely, structural issues in the jaw or TMJ can cause pain.
Treatment:
- Surgical correction in severe cases.
Treatment Overview
1. Self-Care:
- Apply moist heat or cold packs to the jaw area.
- Practice gentle stretching and massage exercises for the jaw.
- Avoid hard or chewy foods to minimize jaw strain.
2. Medication:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen).
- Muscle relaxants or prescription painkillers for severe cases.
3. Non-Surgical Therapies:
- Physical therapy focusing on jaw and facial muscles.
- Oral splints or mouthguards.
- Ultrasound therapy or TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation).
4. Surgical Options (Last Resort):
- Arthroscopy to diagnose and treat joint issues.
- Joint replacement for severe, irreversible damage.
If you’re suffering from any of the above, consult your dentist. Here at Smiles-R-Us, we offer comprehensive evaluation of your TMJ and your bite.
Contact us today at 408-943-9443 or
email us at Sanjose@smiles-r-us.com.