TMJ disorder can be a painful and persistent condition that significantly decreases the level of life. But why does TMJ disorder develop? Read our article to find an answer to this question and learn about the treatment options for TMJ disorder.

Why Does TMJ Disorder Develop?

TMJ disorder, also called temporomandibular joint dysfunction, is a condition that negatively affects the joints in the jaw and the muscles and ligaments around them. It can cause jaw pain and stiffness, headaches, neck pain, and other issues and discomfort. There are two temporomandibular joints, one on each side of the face in front of the ears. The joints connect the lower jawbone to the skull and facilitate movement of the jaw when opening and closing the mouth, chewing, and speaking.

Even though, in some cases, it is challenging to establish the exact cause of TMJ dysfunction, the common sources include:

Excessive tension and strain of the jaw joints and the surrounding muscles when chewing, swallowing, and speaking, caused by bruxism
Uneven force distribution and tension in the joint and the surrounding muscles caused by a misaligned bite and other orthodontic issues
Trauma to the jaw, neck, or head that results in the displacement of the shock-absorbing disc in the joint or damage to the joint’s cartilage.
Arthritis that results in damage to the joint’s cartilage
The erosion or displacement of the disc or joints from the proper alignment

Risk Factors for TMJ Disorder

Risk factors for developing TMJ disorder include:

Any type of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
Jaw injuries or trauma
Chronic bruxism
Some diseases of the connective tissue

According to the statistics, between 5% and 12% of adults suffer from TMJ dysfunction, and the condition is more common in people assigned female at birth compared to people assigned male at birth. In addition, people between the ages of 20 to 40 are more likely to develop the condition.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction can vary from person to person, and their severity depends on individual factors. Additionally, some of the symptoms listed below can be associated with other medical conditions. Remember that only your doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis after a comprehensive examination. However, if you have any of the symptoms most commonly associated with TMJ dysfunction, contact your doctor for a consultation. Common symptoms of TMJ disorder are:

Pain, soreness, or discomfort in the jaw, especially in the mornings and evenings
Stiffness or locking of the jaw and difficulty opening and closing your mouth
Clicking or popping sound when opening or closing your mouth
Pain in the jaw when speaking and chewing food
Recurring headaches
Pain, stiffness, or soreness in the facial muscles, behind the eyes, in the back, shoulders, and neck
Ringing or pain in the ears
Recurring dizziness
Teeth clenching or grinding
Signs of abnormal enamel wear in the teeth or teeth sensitivity not caused by oral health issues
Misalignment of the bite or changes in the way your lower and upper jaw fit together
Numbness of the fingers or tingling in the fingers

How to Treat TMJ Disorder?

If TMJ disorder does not resolve on its own, your doctor might recommend some of the available treatment options:

Medications to relieve pain and inflammation
Tricyclic antidepressants in low doses to relieve pain, control bruxism, and regulate sleep
Muscle relaxants to relieve pain and the spasm of muscles around the joint
Mouth guards or oral splints to prevent teeth clenching and grinding at night, thus relieving the strain and tension of the joint and muscles
Physical therapy, ultrasound, and heat therapy to relax the jaw muscles
Counseling and psychotherapy to relieve stress and eliminate teeth clenching and grinding habits and muscle tension
Arthrocentesis to promote fluid movement in the joint and relieve inflammation
Corticosteroid injections to relieve tension and pain in the muscles
TMJ arthroscopic surgery
Modified condylotomy—surgery on the mandible—for relieving pain and treating locking of the jaw
Open-joint surgery to restore or replace the joint entirely when a structural problem in the joint causes the disorder. This method is typically used if other methods fail to produce results.

Make an Appointment Today

If you experience any symptoms of TMJ disorder, do not hesitate to call our office today and make an appointment with a highly qualified dental specialist in Irvine. We will carefully examine your condition and offer an effective treatment option. We look forward to welcoming you to the OC Dental Specialist clinic.