Do You Have TMJ? Symptoms To Not Ignore

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, commonly referred to as TMJ, can be more than just a minor inconvenience. It affects the hinge connecting your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, playing a crucial role in your ability to chew, speak, and yawn. While occasional jaw pain or clicking might seem harmless, persistent symptoms can lead to significant discomfort and even impact your quality of life. At Old Town Smiles, we believe that understanding and addressing TMJ symptoms early can prevent further complications. Let’s explore the symptoms you should never ignore and how our expert team can help you find relief.

Understanding TMJ and Its Causes

TMJ disorders usually come from problems with the jaw muscles and/or joints. The causes can be multifaceted, ranging from genetics, to lifestyle factors, to traumatic injury, to ongoing bite issues. Some individuals may experience TMJ due to arthritis or jaw instability, while others might develop it from habitual teeth grinding or clenching. Understanding the underlying cause is key to effective treatment, which is why a comprehensive evaluation by a professional is essential. Treatment can be highly variable from patient to patient.

Several factors can contribute to TMJ disorders, including:

• Psychological stress, leading to teeth grinding or clenching
• Physiological stress from sleep apnea or other sleep disorders
• Arthritis affecting the joint
• Jaw misalignment
• Injury to the jaw or head (acute or chronic)
• Connective tissue diseases that affect the temporomandibular joint
• Misalignments elsewhere in the body that affect the temporomandibular joint
• Certain developmental disorders or skeletal abnormalities

Common Symptoms of TMJ

Recognizing the symptoms of TMJ early can help prevent the condition from worsening. Common symptoms include jaw pain, tenderness, and discomfort, particularly in the morning upon waking, or late afternoon after a long workday. You might also experience difficulty in opening or closing your mouth, a clicking or popping sound when moving your jaw, and even headaches or neck pain.

Other signs to be aware of include:

• Earaches or a feeling of fullness or ringing in the ears
• Facial pain or swelling
• Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite
• Locking of the jaw joint, making it hard to open or close your mouth

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Diagnosing TMJ involves a thorough examination by a dental professional specifically trained in disorders of the temporomandibular joint, associated musculature, and your bite. At Old Town Smiles, our doctors perform a very comprehensive physical examination to test these three areas, along with a detailed interview to collect relevant information about your prior history. In addition to the physical examination, Dr. Seema Ahmed and Dr. Mohammad Barra also utilize advanced diagnostic tools to assess the condition of your jaw and surrounding muscles. This may include X-rays, CT scans, or even an MRI to get a detailed view of the joint and its alignment.

Treatment options vary based on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. They may include:

• Medication to relieve pain and inflammation
• Customize targeted massage
• Physical therapy exercises to strengthen jaw muscles, to be done at home, or with referral to a qualified TMJ-focused physical therapist
• Custom-fitted oral appliances to prevent your unique TMJ symptoms (various appliances exist to treat different symptoms)
• TENS device to help relieve muscle tensions and trismus
• Surgery in severe cases where other treatments have failed, to be performed by an oral surgeon trained in TMJ relief

Lifestyle Changes to Manage TMJ

In addition to professional treatment, certain lifestyle changes can help manage TMJ symptoms. Reducing psychological stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can prevent or minimize teeth grinding. Eating softer foods and avoiding extreme jaw movements can also alleviate acute discomfort. Maintaining good posture, especially when working at a desk, can reduce strain on your neck and jaw muscles.

Consider these additional tips:

• Applying ice packs to reduce swelling and pain
• Practicing gentle jaw stretching and relaxation exercises
• Avoiding chewing gum or biting nails
• Using a custom fitted mouth guard at night to prevent clenching

Your Path to Relief in Alexandria, VA

Are you experiencing symptoms of TMJ? Don’t let jaw pain hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Contact Old Town Smiles today at (703) 836-7000 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Seema Ahmed or Dr. Mohammad Barra. Our dedicated team in Alexandria, VA, is ready to help you find lasting relief and restore comfort to your daily life. Take the first step towards a pain-free future by reaching out to us now!