Understanding TMJ

The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw as it moves forward, backward and side to side.

A temporomandibular disorder (TMD), often incorrectly referred to as "TMJ," involves more than a single symptom. TMJ disorders occur when something goes wrong with your facial muscles (chewing muscles located on either side of the face), the jaw joint itself, the ligaments attached to the joint and other associated structures may all be involved with this problem.

TMJ disorders may cause mild to debilitating symptoms, such as:

• pain while chewing

• pain in the ear, face, jaw, and neck

• clicking, grating, or popping sounds in the jaw when you open or close your mouth

• locking of the jaw joint

• headaches

Possible causes of TMJ disorders include:

• arthritis

• dislocation

• injury

• tooth and jaw alignment

• stress and teeth grinding

There are several treatments for TMJ disorders

• eating softer foods

• avoiding chewing gum and biting your nails

• modifying the pain with heat packs

• practicing relaxation techniques to control jaw tension, such as meditation or biofeedback.

If necessary for your symptoms, the following treatments may be advised:

• exercises to strengthen your jaw muscles

• medications prescribed by your dentist; for example, muscle relaxants, analgesics, anti-anxiety drugs or anti-inflammatory medications

• a night guard or bite plate to decrease clenching or grinding of teeth.

In some cases, your dentist may recommend fixing an uneven bite by adjusting or reshaping some teeth. Orthodontic treatment may also be recommended. Your dentist can suggest the most appropriate therapy based on the suspected cause.