admin
Jan 03, 2025
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) cause discomfort or pain in the jaw joints and surrounding muscles during jaw movements. The temporomandibular joint is shaped like a hinge that joins the temporal bones of the skull to the jaw and allows the comfortable movement of the mouth. The joint helps complete the processes of speaking, eating, chewing, grinding food and yawning. Usually, the pain emanating from the joint can be temporary and subside on its own.
However, it can become chronic in rare cases and require a surgical procedure. Many people are not even aware of this disorder because of the lack of knowledge about the joint and its functions. It can make them ignore a serious condition. So, here is a list of the common symptoms, causes and treatments of TMD that can help you identify the problem and get the right treatment.
1. Common Symptoms of TMD
People who have been experiencing the following symptoms should get them examined for TMD by a renowned dentist in Hope Island:
- Jaw and facial pain or soreness
- Pain in the head, neck, shoulders and face
- Throbbing pain near the ears or ringing in the ears
- Discomfort in the jaw when eating food or opening the mouth
- The sound of the jaw joint clicking or popping
- Tooth pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Limited movement of the jaw
- Dizziness or numbness in the fingers
2. Primary Causes of TMD
Temporomandibular disorders result from the dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, which can occur because of an injury that dislocates the jaw or a damaged joint cartilage due to arthritis. It can also occur due to excessive stress on the jaw joints and muscles because of bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). Another significant cause of TMD is malocclusion, which is the misalignment of the upper and lower teeth that hinders the complete closing of the mouth.
3. Three Types of TMD
Temporomandibular disorders can affect the jaw joints, muscles and nerves and can be classified into three categories:
- Degenerative Joint Disease
It occurs when bone or the cartilage in the jaw joint erodes over time due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. It can be diagnosed by the best dentist Hope Island with the help of x-rays and scans.
- Myofascial Pain
Individuals suffering from pain in the face, neck and shoulder muscles fall into this category. It affects connective tissue covering these muscles.
- Displacement of the Joint
TMD also occurs when the internal parts of the joint are damaged or dislocated. It results from the displacement of the articular disc and mandibular condyle from their position.
4. Factors that Increase the Risk of TMD
People who use their teeth for opening bottle cans or tearing items are at higher risk of dislocating the jaw joints. Individuals who have the habit of chewing on pencils or hard substances like nuts and ice cubes can develop TMD. Other risk factors include putting too much pressure on the teeth because of constant grinding and chewing. Sleeping on the stomach and maintaining a poor posture that impacts the neck, face and shoulder can also lead to the disorders.
5. Home Remedies of TMD
While it is necessary to get the condition examined by a reputed Hope Island dentist, individuals suffering from the symptoms of TMD can take pain-relief medicines that are available over the counter. They can also take muscle relaxers prescribed by the practitioner if the pain is due to excessive clenching or grinding of teeth.
Other remedies include using a cold compress or a heat pack that should be pressed against the face for ten minutes and then removed for five minutes for pain relief. It is also best to consume a soft diet like mashed potatoes or bananas, soups, boiled vegetables, applesauce, grated cottage cheese, smoothies, etc., to avoid discomfort while eating. People who have the habit of chewing gum should skip the routine and avoid yawning or placing their hand under the chin while sitting or holding the phone between the head and shoulder without using their hands.
6. Treatment of TMD
Dentists in Hope Island will examine the individual by observing the movement of the jaw and identifying the affected areas. They will use techniques like dental X-rays, CT scans, MRI and TMJ arthroscopy to find the underlying cause of the problem and the extent of damage. If the problem is not too severe, they will prescribe pain medication, physical therapy and lifestyle changes that can help reduce the pain and discomfort. If the cause of the problem is bruxism, they will recommend mouthguards.
Some patients may require trigger point injections that entail injecting dry needles or corticosteroids into the painful muscles or ultrasound therapy that requires delivering heat into the tissues for muscle relaxation. Dentists can also use low-intensity electric currents to reduce discomfort in the jaw. In severe cases, they may conduct surgeries, such as open-joint surgery, arthrocentesis and arthroscopy.
Wrapping Up
Temporomandibular disorders can be painful and affect basic needs like talking and eating food. It is best to be on the lookout for the common symptoms and visit your dentist every six months to ensure prevention.
