What is tmj jaw disorder

Here are some treatment options that your dental professional may consider:. Severe jaw pain can interfere with your quality of life. If you're having TMJ issues, and are experiencing problems with grinding your teeth, jaw pain, or some of the others described in this article, talk to your dental professional. The earlier you treat the problem, the quicker you can get back to enjoying life pain-free. This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics.

It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Shop Now. Our Mission. Contact Us. United States US English. Submit an Idea. Brand Logo. All rights reserved. Terms Of Use.

Privacy Policy. About Our Ads. Children's Privacy Policy. Any problem that prevents the complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony may result in temporomandibular disorder. Myofascial pain. This is the most common form of TMD. It results in discomfort or pain in the fascia connective tissue covering the muscles and muscles that control jaw, neck and shoulder function.

Internal derangement of the joint. This means a dislocated jaw or displaced disk, cushion of cartilage between the head of the jaw bone and the skull , or injury to the condyle the rounded end of the jaw bone that articulates with the temporal skull bone. Degenerative joint disease. This includes osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint. In many cases, the actual cause of this disorder may not be clear.

Sometimes the main cause is excessive strain on the jaw joints and the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. This strain may be a result of bruxism. It is more common in women. TMJ can cause constant pain in some patients who struggle with jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

Some patients struggle with insomnia because of this pain or attempt to self-medicate, which can be dangerous.

Symptoms have also been known to contribute to feelings of depression or anxiety. If the pain is keeping you from comfortably eating, it can lead to nutrition issues, especially in elderly patients. Your dental health can also suffer as a result of untreated TMJ. Clenching and grinding can lead to worn-down enamel or even fractured teeth. This disorder can also lead you to favor one side of your jaw more than the other as a response to the pain, leading to asymmetrical muscle growth and swelling of the jaw area.

Some non-surgical, non-medicated treatment options include mouth guards, oral splints, physical therapy, and counseling around the habits that trigger your pain.

Along with these therapies, certain pharmaceutical medications may be able to help. Some of the most beneficial medications for TMJ disorders are:. Are you done with suffering from relentless jaw pain? Schedule an appointment to see our TMJ experts and find relief faster.

Contact us today to get started. Meet the Team Dr. Timothy Muscaro Dr. Facebook-f Twitter Youtube. Understanding the Symptoms.