TMJ Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment

Open your mouth wide and close it. You could not perform this simple action without the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ). Any issue that gets in the way of the proper operation of the TMJ can result in a painful TMJ disorder.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

The pain of TMJ disorder is frequently described as a dull pain in the jaw that comes and goes. In addition to pain in the jaw muscles, sufferers can also experience pain in the neck and shoulders, chronic headaches, limited movement or locking of the jaw, and a clicking or popping of the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth. Occasional clicking or aching of the jaw joint or muscles isn’t uncommon and often will go away on its own. However, if the symptoms last for more than a few weeks, or the pain is extreme, contact a dentist for an evaluation.

Treatment of TMJ Disorder

Some basic recommendations to help treat TMJ disorders include eating softer foods, cessation of gum chewing, and learning to relax the muscles of the jaw. A dentist may prescribe medications such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications. More commonly, dentists recommend the use of a custom night guard or bite plate that will help to decrease teeth grinding at night. Some night guards also assist in properly aligning the jaw in order to decrease symptoms. Your dentist can recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the suspected cause of your TMJ disorder.