Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a disorder of the temporomandibular joints, jaw, muscles, ligaments, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. It is also called temporomandibular dysfunctions or disorders (TMD). Many episodes of TMD are temporary and go away on their own with noninvasive treatments. However, TMD can significantly impact one’s life by affecting one’s ability to chew, yawn, or speak easily or properly.
This condition significantly affects a person’s quality of life. Untreated TMJ can cause debilitating or excruciating pain that reduces the ability to successfully eat, sleep, and even function well in everyday activities. Fortunately, many treatment options are available, especially with the assistance of a TMJ dentist.
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ disorder symptoms vary widely. People may experience jaw, facial, and shoulder or neck pain. The pain a person feels from TMD can range from mild to severe, with some people experiencing chronic pain.
Common symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction include:
Jaw joint pain in one or both temporomandibular joints
Aches or pain in and around the ears
Discomfort or pain while chewing or difficulty chewing
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, or dizziness
Limited movement or locking of the temporomandibular joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
Painful clicking, grating, or popping in your jaw joint when you open or close your mouth
Changes in how your upper and lower teeth align or fit together
Blurred vision
Patients may experience all of these symptoms, or just a few. In addition, TMJ disorders can cause a clicking sound, a grating sensation, or popping in the jaw joint when opening and closing the mouth or chewing, which causes pain and limits jaw movement.
Sounds without pain in the temporomandibular joints are normal, happen often, and do not need treatment.
Treatment Options for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
There are many effective TMJ treatment options available, and you don’t have to live with the pain and discomfort of this condition. Treatment methods range from conservative methods to surgery, if necessary.
TMJ Treatments at Home
TMJ can be effectively treated at home. Ice packs can reduce swelling and irritation of the impacted area, and heat packs can reduce inflammation. Ibuprofen or Aleve are excellent over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications that effectively treat TMJ. Your TMJ dentist may prescribe prescription pain relievers if OTC pain medications don’t manage your pain effectively.
They may also have you take anti-inflammatories or suggest sleep aids if your symptoms worsen at night. Some dentists offer muscle relaxers to help the TMJ relax, which may alleviate symptoms.
Medical Options for TMJ Treatment
When home remedies aren’t effectively treating your temporomandibular joint disorder, several medical options can help you find relief. Your TMJ dentist can prescribe an oral appliance like a bite guard that will be fitted to you and help prevent teeth grinding, which eases jaw tension.
Your TMJ dentist can inject medications, such as cortisone or steroids, into the joint to alleviate your pain. Your dentist may also use a needle to irrigate your jaw and remove any debris or other items, such as a bone spur or fragment, that might be causing your pain, which can offer almost immediate pain relief. In the past, Botox has also been used to relieve pain by helping to relax jaw muscles; however, Botox carries risks and isn’t an FDA-approved treatment option for TMJ.
In extreme cases when nothing else is bringing you relief, dental surgery or jaw surgery may be necessary. Surgical options for temporomandibular joint disorder are always a last resort, and your TMJ specialist will discuss all of your treatment options and which ones will be best for you.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Manage TMJ Symptoms
Lifestyle changes can relieve your TMJ pain and help you manage other temporomandibular joint disorder symptoms. Your TMJ specialist will complete a thorough evaluation and make recommendations based on your individual needs.
Some lifestyle changes your TMJ specialist might recommend include:
Eating softer foods and watch out for sticky or chewy foods that require a lot of chewing or grinding your teeth.
Massage techniques for the facial area can be done at home.
See a therapist or counselor to learn stress management techniques and reduce or eliminate stress-related behaviors like teeth grinding or jaw clenching that worsen TMJ pain.
Implementing mindfulness or relaxation techniques to reduce stress and relax neck and jaw muscles.
Exercise and other physical
Physical therapy helps stretch and strengthen jaw muscles and effectively manage TMJ symptoms.
When Should I Consult a TMJ Dentist?
Suppose you’re experiencing jaw pain or other common TMJ symptoms or have any other concerns you might have temporomandibular joint disorder. In that case, scheduling a consultation with a TMJ dentist or specialist is a good idea. With all the treatment options available today, there is no reason to live in pain and discomfort.
How Can I Find a TMJ Dentist?
Your dental provider or primary care physician can refer you to a TMJ dentist or specialist. You can also ask family and friends if they have any recommendations. The American Academy of Orofacial Pain, a professional organization of dentists and other healthcare professionals, can provide information on the best TMJ dentists and TMJ specialists near you.
What Should I Expect at My First Appointment with a TMJ Dentist?
Your first appointment with a TMJ dentist will begin with a review of your medical and dental history, followed by questions about your symptoms, their level of intensity, and their longevity. The TMJ dentist will perform a comprehensive evaluation and conduct several tests to confirm a diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorder and evaluate your TMJ.
The TMJ dentist will conduct a range of motion test for your jaw and listen to and feel it as it opens and closes. They will also check all the head and neck muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The TMJ specialist may conduct further tests like an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Sometimes, a TMJ arthroscopy test may also be used. The TMJ dentist’s evaluation and any tests performed help determine the extent of the illness and how much damage the joint has suffered.
Do I Need to Do Anything Before My First Visit with a TMJ Dentist?
Since the TMJ dentist will ask you questions about your TMJ so they can determine the severity of your temporomandibular joint disorder, it can be helpful if you have answers ready ahead of time. Please write down the information or type it into a notes app on your cell phone. It would help if you listed the following:
how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms
the types of symptoms you experience, their intensity, and their frequency
the activities that typically cause you the most pain
any prescription and over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements you take regularly
if you’ve been under any additional stress lately
Experienced, Caring TMJ Dentists at Sleep Better Columbus Can Help You with TMJ Pain
If you want to learn more about treating your jaw pain, have questions about your TMJ, or have a temporomandibular joint disorder, please call Mark Levy, DDS with Sleep Better Columbus, at (614) 777-7350 for a TMD consultation and complete evaluation. Our experienced staff can give you all the information you need to make the best decision for your treatment needs.
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) can affect anyone and isn’t limited to just adults. TMD and jaw pain are much more common in teenagers, particularly female teenagers. Adolescent TMD is often overlooked because teenagers and parents might easily dismiss a symptom like jaw pain on one side as a minor inconvenience that should go away in time.
However, if jaw pain in adolescents is left unchecked and untreated, the issue can escalate into TMD or another serious condition. When parents know how to recognize jaw pain and other common TMD symptoms early, they can ensure their adolescent child gets the help they need before the condition worsens.
What is TMD?
A temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a disorder of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), jaw, muscles, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. TMD causes pain in the jaw joints, muscles, and ligaments controlling your jaw’s movement. Temporomandibular dysfunctions or disorders, also known as TMJ disorders, can greatly influence your daily life by impacting your ability to chew, yawn, or speak.
What Does Adolescent TMD Look Like?
Teenagers who have adolescent TMD can experience excruciating pain from something as simple as chewing gum or food or yawning. Teens with temporomandibular joint disorders often have tinnitus, dizzy spells, or acute migraines. They may frequently complain about their jaw locking or a spanning pain that moves downward from their face, head, or ear. The intensity of TMJ pain an adolescent experiences varies; some adolescents with TMD can function during these episodes while others cannot.
Common Symptoms Teens with TMD Experience
TMJ disorder symptoms vary widely. Adolescents with TMD might experience jaw pain, facial pain, shoulder pain, or neck pain that can range from mild to severe pain, with some teens experiencing chronic pain. Common signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in adolescents include:
Pain in the jaw joint and/or chewing muscles (the most common symptom)
Difficulty chewing, pain while chewing, or chewing that limits jaw movement
Stiffness in your jaw
Pain in one or both temporomandibular joints
Aching pain in and around your ear
Pain or tenderness of the jaw
Aching facial pain
Swelling of the side of the face
Toothaches
Pain that spreads to the face and/or neck
Shoulder or neck pain
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, or dizziness
Headaches and/or migraines
Blurred vision
Limited movement or locking of the temporomandibular joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth
Painful clicking sounds, grating sensations, or popping in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
Changes in how upper and lower teeth align or fit together
Understanding the Complexities of TMD in Teenagers
As a parent, it’s concerning when your child struggles with headaches or pain. Unfortunately, symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, or neck pain are often mistakenly attributed to hormonal changes or growing pains. It’s important to consider that TMD might be responsible, particularly if your teen is experiencing episodes of jaw locking or complaining of one-sided pain.
Adolescents with TMD can experience severe chronic pain that is far worse than the average toothache. Chronic jaw pain in teenagers that is left untreated can lead to problems eating or talking, difficulty concentrating in school, or an inability to take part in enjoyable activities.
Female Adolescents at Highest Risk for TMD Pain
Temporomandibular joint disorder has been found in both adolescent boys and adolescent girls, but it is more prevalent in girls. A recent study conducted in Oslo, Norway, has found that female adolescents are more likely to experience TMD pain than male adolescents. Facial pain and TMD pain were higher in females, with the rate and severity being higher the older the female adolescent was. Female adolescents also suffered from more severe pain.
Treating TMD in Adolescents
If you think your teenager is struggling with TMD, It’s essential to seek professional advice. Treatment plans for adolescents with TMD often differ from those for adults and take into consideration the teenager’s growth and development. The earlier TMJ in teens is identified and addressed, the better. Treatment plans for TMJ in teenagers often differ from those for adults, taking into account the teenager’s growth and development.
The underlying cause of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and the severity of the pain are two factors taken into consideration when determining the TMJ treatment that is right for your child. Noninvasive options should be tried first. Treatment alternatives encompass home treatments, medication, self-care, and other non-invasive therapies. By adopting the appropriate strategy, you can effectively manage your adolescent’s TMD, enabling them to lead a normal, pain-free life.
The Best Approach to Jaw Pain Treatment for Teens with TMD
There are several treatment options for adolescents with TMD, and the best options for your child depend on the individual and the severity of the problem.
A TMD specialist will recommend various ways to counter the issue and help develop an evolving treatment plan to adopt preventive techniques as your child ages. Some of these treatment options include:
Acupuncture
Biofeedback
Dental appliances
Muscle Relaxers
Physical therapy
Prescription medication
Relaxation training
Stretching
Surgery
Things That Can Worsen Adolescent TMD
When you’re aware of the habits that can worsen adolescent TMD, you can help your teenager avoid or prevent these habits so they can decrease pain and TMD flare-ups. Habits that can make temporomandibular disorders worse include:
Nibbling on objects such as pens, pencils, or toothpicks, which is often associated with feelings of anxiety.
Chewing ice, lollipops, or other hard candies
Excessively chewing gum
Grinding or clenching your teeth during the daytime
Nail biting or lip chewing
Poor posture (Strains the neck, shoulders, and jaw muscles.)
Taking large bites of food (This overworks jaw muscles.)
Sleeping on your stomach
Utilizing your teeth for tasks like opening packages, removing tags from clothing, holding objects, or opening bottle caps.
What Should I Do If I Think My Teenager Has TMD?
If you think your teenager has a TMJ Disorder or they have been diagnosed with one, do not ignore the effects of it. Help your teen avoid things that can increase pain or worsen the condition. Consult a dentist or doctor who can help you and your teenager find ways to treat adolescent TMD. Thankfully, there are various strategies available to treat temporomandibular joint disorders, reduce discomfort, and alleviate symptoms.
Help for Adolescents with TMD
Suppose your adolescent is suffering from any TMD symptoms. In that case, an evaluation with a doctor who treats temporomandibular joint disorders can help determine the best treatment options for eliminating pain and ensuring your child’s bite is positioned correctly. Many parents are concerned about adolescent TMD and might have lots of questions about the condition and how it can affect their teenager.
Call Sleep Better Columbus at (614) 777-7350 to schedule an appointment and TMD evaluation for your adolescent today and get your questions and concerns answered.
TMJ is considered to be a progressive condition, and the four stages of TMJ are frequently used by doctors to provide a treatment guide for patients based on the severity of their temporomandibular joint damage.
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a disorder of the jaw, temporomandibular joints, muscles, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. TMJ can cause pain in the jaw joints and the ligaments and muscles that control the movement of your jaw. TMJ disorders, which are also known as temporomandibular dysfunctions (TMD), can impact your life in a significant way by affecting your ability to chew, speak easily, or yawn.
Stage One
Stage one of TMJ is disc displacement with reduction, sometimes identified as DDwR, and occurs when the disc is displaced in the closed-mouth position and reduces to normal relationship in the open-mouth position.
In stage one, mouth opening is limited and is often accompanied by the jaw moving to the side until a pop or click (reduction) happens and the mouth can be opened fully. In this stage, it’s not likely there will be any restriction in range of motion from the disc relocating when the mouth is opened.
Stage Two
Stage two of TMJ is disc displacement with reduction with intermittent locking. During this stage, the disc will be displaced in the closed-mouth position and will intermittently lock when in the open-mouth position when the disc doesn’t reduce.
Patients who are in stage two may experience episodes of limited mouth opening that can last for various lengths of time. Some people have described the feeling of hitting an obstruction when they attempt to open their mouth, and they may be able to move their jaw past the obstruction, or the obstruction may spontaneously disappear.
Stage Three
Stage three of TMJ is disc displacement without reduction, often referred to as DDwoR. Stage three occurs when clicking noises disappear but limited mouth opening remains. In this stage, the disc is displaced in closed-mouth position, and the disc does not reduce to normal in the open-mouth position. This is also referred to as closed lock.
During stage three, the jaw has a limited range of movement, and limited opening becomes chronic.
Stage Four
Stage four of TMJ, like stage three, is disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR). Similar to stage three, the disc is displaced in the closed-mouth position and does not reduce to normal in the open-mouthed position; however, stage four is also accompanied by perforation of the posterior attachment tissues or the disc.
What Causes TMJ to Worsen?
Dealing with the pain and other symptoms of TMJ can be challenging, but there are things you can control that worsen your TMJ and its symptoms. Knowing what these habits are can help you avoid them.
Some habits you can control that can worsen your TMJ include:
Sleeping on your stomach
Grinding or clenching your teeth during the daytime
Chewing on pens, pencils, toothpicks, or other items (These habits are often related to anxiety.)
Excessively chewing gum
Taking large bites of food (This can overwork your jaw muscles.)
Chewing ice, lollipops, or other hard candies
Using your teeth as tools (e.g., opening packages, tearing tags off clothes, holding items, opening bottle caps)
Stress and anxiety (When feeling stressed or anxious, you might increase tension in your jaw and facial muscles.)
Treating TMJ and TMD
Treatment options for TMJ and TMD depend on the stage of your temporomandibular joint disorder, the underlying cause of your TMJ, and the severity of your pain. When determining an appropriate treatment plan, noninvasive treatment options should be tried first.
Often, TMJ pain and discomfort is temporary and can be managed with self-care, home remedies, and/or other non-invasive and nonsurgical treatments.
Self-managed care options are things you can do for yourself. This includes identifying activities that cause TMD flare-ups and can worsen your TMJ. Understanding what causes flare-ups allows you to set goals to manage your condition and prevent TMJ issues. Learning all you can about your type of temporomandibular joint disorder can help.
Most home remedies deal with managing pain and include using over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Using icepacks can also help with pain and swelling. While TMJ home remedies may help reduce the pain, it’s important to remember that they are only temporary solutions and won’t always resolve the problems for long periods of time. If the pain and discomfort is persistent, then it’s best to contact an experienced healthcare professional who understands the complications of treating TMJ disorders.
Additional nonsurgical treatment options for TMJ disorders that do not involve medications include physical therapy and TMJ appliance therapy.
What is TMJ Appliance Therapy?
TMJ appliance therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that doesn’t involve the use of any medications. Similar to mouthguards, TMJ appliances are worn in the mouth and fit over your upper or lower set of teeth; however, TMJ appliances are designed specifically to treat conditions related to the jaw joint.
TMD appliances called stabilization splints, also known as bite guards or bite plates, are prescribed, designed, fitted, and adjusted by TMJ specialists. These oral appliances realign the jaw, prevent contact between the teeth, and reduce jaw pressure and pain and are worn while you sleep and occasionally during the day.
TMJ appliance therapy will typically treat most TMD symptoms in a short period of time and can provide long-term stability for your temporomandibular joint. Using oral appliances can help avoid future serious complications. If TMD is left untreated or undertreated, it worsens as time passes and causes further joint damage and worsening symptoms as the condition progresses through the stages of TMJ.
If you think you might have a TMJ disorder, then reach out to the professionals at Sleep Better Columbus by calling 614-777-7350 or contact us online to book an appointment.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause pain in the jaw joints and the muscles and ligaments controlling jaw movement. TMJ disorders, sometimes referred to as temporomandibular dysfunctions (TMD), can have a significant impact on your life by affecting your ability to speak easily, chew, or yawn. The TMD experts at Sleep Better Columbus are dedicated to improving and preventing TMJ/TMD symptoms.
Types of TMD (temporomandibular dysfunctions)
Disorders of the chewing muscles, the most common form of TMD, can cause myofascial pain. Myofascial pain is pain or discomfort in the fascia (connective tissue covering the muscles) and muscles controlling jaw, neck, and shoulder function.
Disorders of the jaw joints, including disc disorders and degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis.
Headaches resulting from TMD and/or the associated pain.
Causes of TMJ Disorders
The exact cause of a person’s TMJ disorder is hard to pinpoint, and the pain is usually from a combination of factors, which can be jaw injury, arthritis, or genetics.
TMJ causes may include:
Bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth)
Malocclusion (improper alignment of your top and bottom teeth)
Arthritis in the jaw joint
Jaw injuries, such as a dislocated or broken jaw
Stress
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorder symptoms vary widely. People may experience jaw pain, facial pain, and/or shoulder or neck pain. The pain a person feels from TMD can range from mild to severe with some people experiencing chronic pain. Common signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction include:
Pain in the jaw joint and/or chewing muscles (the most common symptom)
Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
Pain in one or both temporomandibular joints
Aching pain in and around your ear
Pain or tenderness of the jaw
Stiffness in your jaw
Aching facial pain
Swelling of the side of the face
Toothaches
Pain that spreads to the face and/or neck
Shoulder or neck pain
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, or dizziness
Headaches and/or migraines
Blurred vision
Limited movement or locking of the temporomandibular joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
Painful clicking, grating, or popping in your jaw joint when you open or close your mouth
Changes in how your upper and lower teeth align or fit together
TMJ disorders can cause a clicking sound, a grating sensation, or popping in your jaw joint when opening and closing your mouth or chewing that causes pain and/or limits jaw movement.
Sounds without pain in the temporomandibular joints are normal, happen often, and do not need treatment.
Managing and Preventing TMJ/TMD Flare-ups
Any number of things can create issues with your TMJ disorder, but you can take steps to prevent flare-ups and minimize pain and discomfort if you do have a TMD flare-up.
The first preventive measure you can take is recognizing any activities that might cause a flare-up or increase your pain or discomfort. Once you’ve identified these activities, you can work on avoiding them or taking steps to prevent them from occurring. For example, if you have sleep bruxism (grinding or clenching your teeth at night while sleeping), you can wear a mouth guard at night. If you experience pain and discomfort after eating hard, difficult-to-chew foods like taffy, gummy candies, or jerky, avoid eating these foods as much as possible.
Things That Make TMJ Disorders Worse
While you might not be able to control the factors that cause TMJ disorders, you can control things that can make your TMD, and its symptoms, worse. Being aware of these habits can help when it comes to avoiding or preventing TMJ/TMD symptoms so you can decrease pain and TMJ disorder flare-ups.
Habits that can make temporomandibular disorders worse include:
Chewing on pens, pencils, toothpicks, or other items (These habits are often related to anxiety.)
Chewing ice, lollipops, or other hard candies
Excessively chewing gum
Grinding or clenching your teeth during the daytime
Taking large bites of food (This overworks jaw muscles.)
Sleeping on your stomach
Using your teeth as tools (e.g., opening packages, tearing tags off clothes, holding items, opening bottle caps)
Treatment Options for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
For many people, the pain and discomfort from TMJ disorders is temporary and can be relieved with home remedies, self-managed care, and/or other nonsurgical treatments.
Most home remedies deal with managing pain. Typical home remedies include using ice packs and taking over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen. While home remedies may help reduce the pain, they are temporary solutions and won’t always resolve the problems for long periods of time.
Sedatives, muscle relaxers, and pain relievers can be used to help treat TMJ disorders. Sedatives can help you sleep more peacefully at night. Muscle relaxers will help relax the muscles in the area. Muscle relaxers are often paired with pain relievers that help with the immediate pain.
Self-managed care options are all the activities you can do yourself. These activities can include learning everything you can about your type of temporomandibular joint disorder, identifying activities that cause TMD flare-ups, setting specific goals for managing your condition, and learning meditation and relaxation techniques to reduce and/or eliminate stress that might be contributing to TMJ pain or lead to habits that cause TMJ pain (e.g., clenching or grinding teeth, chewing on non-food items).
Other Options for Preventing TMJ/TMD Pain
Additional nonsurgical treatment options for TMJ disorders that do not involve medications include using a bite guard while you sleep or occasionally during the day, wearing a dental splint or mouth guard to realign the jaw, or physical therapy options. Physical therapy for temporomandibular dysfunctions typically includes stretches and exercises to strengthen the jaw along with using ice and moist heat.
If you have a severe case, your dentist or doctor may suggest other more aggressive treatment options. Corticosteroid injections directly into the joint can be helpful. Arthrocentesis, a medical procedure during which the jaw joint is washed out with sterile fluid to rinse away any debris, may also be helpful. If these and other nonsurgical treatments are not effective, surgery may be suggested as a last resort. Surgical options are generally only used when there is something structurally wrong with the joint of a patient with a TMJ disorder.
What to Do If You Think You Have a TMJ Disorder
If you think you have a TMJ Disorder or have been diagnosed with one, do not ignore the effects of it. Take steps to avoid things that can increase pain or worsen the condition. Consult a dentist or doctor who can help you find ways to treat the condition. Fortunately, there are multiple things a person can do to manage temporomandibular joint disorders, decrease pain, and eliminate symptoms.
Learn how the TMD experts at Sleep Better Columbus can help you manage and treat your TMJ/TMD while preventing TMJ/TMD pain and symptoms. Schedule your consultation today online or call 614-777-7350.
The second-most common cause of chronic headaches is temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which is sometimes called TMJ dysfunction. These TMD headaches can greatly diminish quality of life. Thankfully, non-invasive treatment options can reduce or eliminate your chronic TMD headache.
What is a Temporomandibular Disorder?
A temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a disorder of the temporomandibular joints, jaw, muscles, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. TMD causes pain in the jaw joints and the muscles and ligaments controlling your jaw’s movement. Temporomandibular dysfunctions or disorders (TMD), can have a significant impact on your life by affecting your ability to chew, yawn, or speak easily.
Why Do Temporomandibular Disorders Cause Headaches?
Temporomandibular disorders cause headaches because the proximity of the jaw to the head means pain easily travels upward. The many nerves located near the temporomandibular joint contribute to the aches becoming more intense. The two primary reasons for a TMD headache are jaw tension and a misaligned bite.
Jaw tension is the most common cause of a temporomandibular disorder headache. Bruxism, the act of clenching your teeth, tires the muscles and joints surrounding the teeth, which causes joint pain and can wear down the teeth. Pain from the jaw travels up to the temples and can range from mild to severe. Grinding your teeth can also cause cramping of the jaw which can result in pulsating headaches that feel like migraines.
A misaligned bite puts strain on your jaw and is another common reason for a TMD headache. Trying to keep the jaw in proper positioning stresses and tires the tissues, including the facial muscles, surrounding the temporomandibular joint, and when this occurs, it causes a headache.
What are the Symptoms of a TMD Headache?
A TMD headache is pain in the head, face, and cheek caused by a temporomandibular joint disorder. The TMJ disorder causes pain in the temporomandibular joint, and that pain spreads upward to other parts of your head.
Frequent headaches can be symptomatic of TMJ issues. Common symptoms of TMD headaches may also include:
achiness in your neck and/or shoulders
atypical pain in your cheek muscles
challenges with swallowing
clicking or popping sounds when moving your jaw
difficulty or pain when chewing food (more severe head pain may occur when chewing)
inability to open your mouth fully
migraine headaches
pain over your eyes, in the ear area, or in the temples
sore TMJ (jaw) hinges
sensitive teeth, but no obvious dental problems
swollen face
tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
How is Temporomandibular Dysfunction Diagnosed?
Dentists, physiotherapists, or doctors can diagnose temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) in a dental checkup or physical examination. They will assess your jaw’s range of motion when you open and close your mouth, feel the areas surrounding your temporomandibular (jaw) joints while you open and close your mouth, and press on your jaw and certain areas of your face to find areas of tenderness, pain, or discomfort.
They might also use imaging tests for a closer look at your temporomandibular joints and the structures surrounding them. The imaging tests might include a panoramic X-ray to assess your jaw and teeth, a CT (computed tomography) scan to get a more detailed view, and an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to assess the soft tissues that surround your temporomandibular joints.
Treating Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and TMD Headaches
The underlying cause of your temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and the severity of your pain are two factors that are taken into consideration when determining the TMJ treatment that is right for you. Noninvasive options should be tried first. Treatment options can include home remedies, medications, self-managed care, and/or other nonsurgical treatments.
Home Remedies and Medications
Home remedies include eating soft foods, applying heat or cold packs to the affected area, and taking over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen. Home remedies may help reduce the pain, but they are temporary solutions that won’t always resolve the problems long-term.
Sedatives and muscle relaxers can also help treat TMJ disorders. Sedatives can help you sleep more peacefully at night. Muscle relaxers relax the muscles in the area and are often paired with pain relievers that help with immediate pain.
Self-managed Care
Self-managed care treatment options include any activities you can do yourself. These activities might be learning all that you can about your type of temporomandibular joint disorder, identifying any activities that can contribute to TMD flare-ups, setting specific goals for managing your TMD, and learning relaxation techniques or meditation to reduce and/or eliminate any stress that could contribute to TMJ pain or lead to habits that cause TMJ pain (e.g., chewing on non-food items, clenching teeth, grinding teeth).
Other Nonsurgical Treatments for your TMD Headache and TMJ Pain
Additional nonsurgical treatment options like oral appliances and physical therapy do not involve medications. Oral appliances include bite guards that can be worn while you sleep or occasionally during the day, and wearing a dental splint or mouth guard to realign the jaw. Physical therapy for Aggressive Treatment Options for Severe TMD
For severe TMD, your dentist or doctor may suggest other more aggressive treatment options. Corticosteroid injections directly into the joint are often helpful. Arthrocentesis, a medical procedure during which the jaw joint is washed out with sterile fluid to rinse away any debris, may also provide relief. If these and other nonsurgical treatments are not effective, a surgical option may be suggested as a last resort. Surgical options are generally only used when there is something structurally wrong with the jaw joint of a patient who has a temporomandibular disorder.
To learn more about using oral appliances to treat TMJ and reduce or eliminate your TMD headaches, call Sleep Better Columbus at 614-777-7350 or contact us online to speak with a TMJ specialist.
