The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) reports that temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), often referred to as TMJ disorders, are the leading cause of chronic facial pain and jaw dysfunction. These conditions affect more than 10 million people in the United States.
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect the lower jaw to the temporal bone on each side of the skull. These joints, along with associated muscles, ligaments, and tendons, facilitate various jaw movements, allowing for activities such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. The TMJ contains a shock-absorbing disc that separates the rounded ends (condyles) of the lower jaw from the temporal bone’s concave surfaces. This complex structure enables the jaw to move up and down, forward and backward, and side to side.
Due to its dual role as a hinge and a sliding joint, the TMJ is considered one of the most complex joints in the body, and treating disorders associated with it can be challenging.
TMJ disorders are generally classified into three main categories:
Several factors, including prolonged teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw injuries, and various forms of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis), can increase the risk of developing TMJ disorders. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person and may include earaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), headaches, back and neck pain, vertigo, muscle spasms, and joint tenderness. Additionally, some individuals may experience jaw pain, popping or grating sounds with jaw movement, jaw locking, and restricted jaw movement. While some people may find relief from these symptoms within a short time, others may continue to experience issues despite undergoing extensive therapy.
To diagnose a TMJ disorder, the dentist will conduct a comprehensive clinical assessment, which may include specialized imaging and diagnostic tests. Treatment options may involve using oral appliances, such as night guards or stabilization splints, to reduce joint strain. Other therapies might include steroid injections, occlusal adjustments, or orthodontic or prosthodontic treatments to improve the bite. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
Self-care measures can also help alleviate TMJ symptoms. Patients are typically advised to eat soft foods, avoid extreme jaw movements (such as wide yawning and chewing gum), practice stress-reduction techniques, and apply ice packs or moist heat as directed. Gentle stretching exercises, if recommended, should be done according to the dentist or therapist’s instructions. Short-term relief may be found through over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relievers. If these are insufficient, stronger painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or antidepressants may be prescribed by a dentist or physician.
