TMJ Disorder Treatment in Mays Landing & Somers Point, NJ
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Do You Deal With Jaw Pain?
TMJ disorders (TMD), also known as temporomandibular joint disorders, are a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. These disorders, classified as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, head, and neck. They also limit jaw movement and affect the ability to chew, talk, and swallow.
If you deal with severe jaw pain, you may be suffering from TMD. Contact our Mays Landing & Somers Point, NJ dentists today to schedule an appointment by calling our Mays Landing office at (609) 625-3499 or our Somers Point office at (609) 927-8448.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. It’s the joint that connects your jawbone (mandible) to your skull, specifically to the temporal bone in the skull. This joint allows you to open and close your mouth, move your jaw from side to side, and chew food. The TMJ is one of the most frequently used joints in the body. Understanding the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) structure is crucial for diagnosing and treating related disorders.
The TMJ is a complex joint with a combination of hinge and sliding motions. It’s surrounded by muscles, ligaments, and tendons that help control its movement. Problems with the TMJ can lead to a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which can cause chronic pain, discomfort, and difficulty with jaw movement.
Types of TMJ Disorders
There are several types of TMJ disorders, each with its own unique set of symptoms and causes. Some of the most common types of TMD include:
- Myofascial Pain Disorder: The most common type of TMJ disorder. It’s characterized by pain or discomfort in the muscles that control jaw movement. Various factors, including stress, overuse of the jaw muscles, and trauma to the temporomandibular joints, can cause myofascial pain.
- Internal Joint Derangement: A type of disorder that occurs when the disc that cushions the joint becomes displaced or dislocated, causing pain, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, and limited jaw movement. Trauma to the joint, arthritis, or a misaligned bite can cause internal derangement.
- Degenerative Joint Disease: A disorder that occurs when the cartilage in the jaw joint wears away over time, leading to bone-on-bone contact, pain, and limited jaw movement. Degenerative joint disease can occur from aging, trauma to the joint, or other joint diseases.
- TMJ Ankylosis: A rare but serious TMJ disorder that occurs when the jaw joints become fused, preventing normal jaw movement. Trauma to the joints, infection, or certain medical conditions can cause TMJ ankylosis.
Temporomandibular joint pain is a common symptom across various types of TMD, often complicating diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of TMJ Disorders
In addition to traditional medical treatments and alternative therapies, there are also holistic treatments that can help alleviate the symptoms of TMJ disorders. Here are some examples of holistic treatments for TMD:
- Stress Management: Practicing stress relieving techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress and tension in the body.
- Diet and Nutrition: Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, salt, and processed ingredients.
- Chewing: Chewing slowly and taking small bites can help reduce strain on the jaw.
- Posture: Maintaining good posture can help reduce tension in the neck and shoulders.
- Acupressure: Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve pain and tension. This holistic solution can help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
- Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy involves using essential oils to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Some essential oils, such as lavender and peppermint, can help manage TMJ disorder symptoms.
TMJ Symptoms
Risk Factors of Developing TMD
You may be at a higher risk of developing a temporomandibular joint disorder if you possess any of the following:
- Jaw injuries: Trauma to the jaw, from a car accident or sports injury, can increase the risk of developing TMD.
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism): Habitual teeth grinding or clenching, often caused by stress or anxiety, can put excessive pressure on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
- Arthritis or other joint diseases: Conditions that cause inflammation or damage to the joints, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can increase the risk of TMD.
- Dislocation or displacement of the jaw joint disc: The jaw joint has a disc that helps cushion and stabilize it. If this disc becomes displaced or dislocated, it can cause TMJ symptoms.
- Genetics: Some people may be more genetically predisposed to developing TMD.
- Poor posture: Poor posture, particularly in the neck and shoulders, can contribute to muscle tension and pain in the jaw and surrounding areas.
- Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop TMJ disorders.
Age: TMD is more common in people between the ages of 20 and 40, but it can occur at any age.
Diagnosing TMD
If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMD or TMJ pain it’s crucial to seek medical attention from a dentist or doctor. They’ll perform a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and medical history and may also perform a physical exam of your joint and surrounding facial muscles. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI may be used to help diagnose the condition.
Treatment Options for TMD
Treatment for TMD depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. In most cases, conservative, nonsurgical treatments are effective in relieving symptoms. TMJ treatment often begins with noninvasive options and progresses to more invasive solutions if necessary.
These include:
- Resting the jaw by avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods
- Applying heat or cold packs to the jaw
- Taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to control pain
- Performing jaw exercises to improve flexibility and reduce tension
- Wearing a nightguard or splint to prevent teeth grinding or clenching
- Physical therapy or massage therapy
- Taking muscle relaxants if prescribed by your doctor
- Practicing relaxation techniques to ease stress and control clenching
If conservative temporomandibular disorder treatments aren’t effective, more invasive treatments may be necessary, such as:
- Injection of medication into the TMJ to reduce inflammation and pain
- Dental procedures to correct misaligned teeth or replace missing teeth
- Surgery to repair or replace the TMJ joint
Prevention of TMD
While some causes of TMD are beyond our control, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition. Prevention tips include:
- Avoid chewing gum or biting your nails
- Practice good posture and reduce stress to help prevent muscle tension in the face and jaw
- Wear a mouth guard or splint if you grind or clench your teeth
- Seek prompt medical attention if you experience any jaw pain or discomfort
‘‘As healthcare providers, we need to fine-tune our nutritional skills so we can personally guide our patients to better health.
- Dr. John Nosti
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is TMJ disorder a common condition?
Yes, TMJ disorder is a relatively common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s more common in women than men and often affects people between the ages of 20 and 40.
The exact prevalence of TMD is difficult to determine because many people don’t seek medical attention for their symptoms or are misdiagnosed with other conditions. However, research suggests that up to 12 percent of the population may experience some form of TMD at some point in their lives.
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Can children develop TMJ disorders?
Yes, children can develop TMJ disorders, although it’s less common than in adults. Some common causes of TMD in children include jaw injuries, misaligned teeth or jaws, and habits such as nail biting, gum chewing, or thumb sucking.
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Are there any dietary factors that can contribute to TMJ disorder?
Yes, certain dietary factors can contribute to TMJ disorder:
- Eating hard or crunchy foods, such as nuts or popcorn, can put excessive strain on the joints and jaw muscles, exacerbating TMD symptoms.
- Chewing gum or eating chewy foods, such as candy or gumdrops, can also contribute to jaw pain and discomfort.
- Consuming foods high in sugar or caffeine can contribute to muscle tension and pain, which can worsen TMJ symptoms.
Seek Soothing Relief for Jaw Pain
TMD can cause uncomfortable and painful symptoms that can negatively affect a person’s quality of life. However, with the right treatment plan, most people with TMJ disorders can manage their symptoms and improve their jaw function.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of TMD, it’s critical to consult your dentist or doctor to determine the best course of action. For those in Mays Landing & Somers Point, NJ, schedule an appointment with our experienced dentist today by calling our Mays Landing office at (609) 625-3499 or our Somers Point office at (609) 927-8448.