Many people are aware that we need to take steps to look after our teeth and gums, but have you ever spared a thought for your jaw joint? Your jaw is heavily involved with lots of commonly performed actions and movements and it can be susceptible to wear and tear. We see many patients who have signs of TMJ(temporomandibular joint) disorder and if you regularly suffer from migraines, jaw pain or stiffness around the jaw, this could be causing problems for you too. Here is a brief guide to help you prevent jaw pain and cope with symptoms of TMJ disorder:

What is TMJ disorder?

This disorder is a fairly common condition characterised by symptoms that affect the TMJ. These symptoms include jaw, neck, shoulder and ear pain, headaches and migraines, a restricted range of movement in the jaw, stiffness and soreness in the joint and clicking and popping noises when you move your jaw. Most cases don’t require formal treatment, but if you suffer from severe or persistent symptoms, treatment may be recommended.

TMJ disorder can be caused by underlying health issues affecting the connective tissue, such as arthritis, but many cases are linked to tooth grinding. Grinding the teeth not only damages the them, it also increases pressure on the muscles around the joint and leads to wear and tear in the connective tissue. If you grind your teeth, it’s a good idea to see your dentist, as they can provide treatment to help prevent clenching and subsequently reduce the risk of developing symptoms. We provide custom-made bite guards to prevent contact between the top and bottom teeth when you’re sleeping and this helps to preserve the teeth and components of the joints.

When should I see my dentist?

If you suffer from jaw pain that comes and goes regularly or gets worse, see your dentist. They will be able to examine the joint and carry out X-rays to identify any problems and find appropriate treatments and remedies.

Do you regularly start your day with a headache or migraine? Have you heard clicking noises when you move your jaw or experienced prolonged earache or neck pain? If so, you may have TMJ disorder. This is a group of symptoms that affect the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects the lower jaw to the skull and it can be felt if you place your fingers on the side of your face just in front of your ear lobes and then open and close your mouth.

What exactly is TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder is an umbrella term given to a collection of symptoms that involve the TMJ. Examples of these symptoms include:

• clicking or popping noises when you move the jaw
• tenderness and pain in and around the joint
• restricted movement in the joint
• headaches
• earache
• neck and shoulder pain
• stiffness in the jaw, especially in the morning

Why have I got TMJ disorder?

Many cases of TMJ disorder are linked to bruxism, also known as tooth grinding. Grinding the teeth at night causes additional pressure on the facial muscles surrounding the TMJ and this may be the reason you find that your head aches and your jaw feels painful and stiff when you wake up in the morning. Grinding the teeth is often linked to stress or anxiety, but it can also be caused by loose fillings and orthodontic issues that affect the alignment of the top and bottom teeth.

Some underlying health conditions, including arthritis and traumatic jaw injuries, can also increase the risk of TMJ disorder.

If you suffer from the symptoms listed above, call us now and make an appointment. We will carry out some tests and examinations to ascertain the cause. Once we have established this, we can discuss treatment options with you. These may include replacing damaged fillings, starting orthodontic treatment or fitting a custom-made bite guard to prevent bruxism. Don’t suffer in silence- make an appointment today!