TMJ Disorder
Facial pain and swelling.
Difficulty opening your mouth. You may even find it nearly impossible to perform tasks like eating or speaking.
Your jaw may temporarily lock open or close.
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds and sensations when you move your mouth.
Chronic headaches or earaches. These issues are caused by radiating pain from the joints.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
Bruxism. If you grind and clench your teeth, the excessive forces that your jaw muscles exert can irritate the joints. Bruxism is often caused by stress, but it can also be caused by alignment issues or stimulants like caffeine or certain medications.
Facial trauma. Injuries to the face can affect the TMJ.
Jaw dislocation. Even dislocation that lasts only a few seconds can cause small tears in the tissues in the joints, which can cause irritation and inflammation.
Certain types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can both affect your TMJ. Osteoarthritis causes the degradation of the cartilage in your joints while rheumatoid arthritis causes joint inflammation.
How Is TMJ Disorder Diagnosed?
Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder
Home remedies. For minor discomfort, we may recommend over the counter pain relievers, or we may prescribe something stronger. If TMJ disorder is caused by stress, we may also recommend relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or yoga.
Oral appliances. A custom fit night guard can be provided if your TMJ disorder is caused by bruxism. The night guard provides cushion, protecting your teeth, your jaw, and the joint from excessive pressure.
Botox. While Botox injections are usually performed for cosmetic purposes, they can also be used to treat bruxism. Strategically injected, Botox weakens the muscles that clench, alleviating the pressures on your jaw and joints.
Orthodontics. If TMJ disorder is caused by an off bite, orthodontics may be recommended.
Oral surgery. If no other treatments have proven effective, or the condition is severe, you may be recommended for an oral surgical procedure.