The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is that which connects your jaw bone (Mandible) to the Temporal bone of your skull. You have one on each side of your face and these joints allow you to open your mouth to eat and speak. They are used thousands of times a day and tension in this area can cause pain in the face, jaw, ear and head.
TMJ disfunction is a blanket term for these issues. It is fairly common amongst younger people (20-40 years old) and women seem to be more often affected than men. We do not know why this is, at the moment. It is often diagnosed after discussions with your dentist.
Symptoms can include:
Pain in the jaw joint that may radiate out into the face, ears or neck.
Pain when chewing, talking or yawning
Difficulty opening your mouth
Locking or clicking of the joint
Earache or Tinnitus
A change in how you bite
Toothache with no obvious dental cause
Causes:
TMJD can be caused by a number of factors and, often, more than one is involved. Common causes include:
Teeth grinding or clenching, especially at night
Repetitive chewing (Gum etc.)
Tension in the face and neck muscles caused by stress or anxiety
Joint injuries from a blow or accident (Including Whiplash)
Arthritis of the joint
Recent dental work
Treatment:
For many people, TMJD symptoms are temporary and can be resolve with simple lifestyle modifications and home care. Here are some ideas that may help you:
- Eat softer foods for a while: Choose items like pasta, soup, or yogurt and cut food into smaller pieces.
- Avoid straining your jaw muscles: Try to avoid sticky foods, chewing gum, and opening your mouth too wide when yawning.
- Hot/Cold therapy: Apply a warm compress or an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel to the painful area for 15 minutes, as and when needed. The warmth relaxes your muscles and is good for aches, while the cold is a reliever of sharper pain. Choose which suits your situation best.
- Relax as much as possible: Minimize clenching your teeth. When you’re not eating your teeth should remain open and not touching. Try to manage your stress levels during the day and use mindfulness or relaxation techniques before bed.
- Over-the-counter pain relief: Medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help ease inflammation and discomfort. Only take as directed on the pack.
Seek medical or dental attention if your symptoms do not improve, the pain becomes constant, or your jaw locks. A healthcare provider or dentist can evaluate the issue and recommend further treatments like physical therapy (Massage or Physiotherapy), custom mouth guards (to stop grinding during sleep), or—in very rare cases—jaw surgery.
If you need any help with managing your TMJ pain and you have ruled out any medical or dental issues, please get in touch.