Ever wonder what could be causing that constant clicking in your jaw or why it is so painful to chew your food? The answer could be linked with something called your temporomandibular joint (TMJ for short). But what exactly is TMJ? Why is it a health condition? What could be causing it? There are a few possibilities that you should be aware of, especially since TMJ is linked with several chronic illnesses. Let's explore TMJ more in-depth and discuss what your treatment options could be. Since TMJ is a complex condition that has its roots in a number of potential causes, we will need to spend some time focusing on these different possibilities.
What is TMJ?
Your temporomandibular joint connects your skull to your jaw on both sides. A disorder of the TMJ can lead to a lot of pain and other life-invading symptoms. That is why it is important to figure out the source of your TMJ. If you don't, TMJ symptoms could progressively worsen, leading to even more complex issues.
Do you clench your jaw? Do you grind your teeth at night? Those two factors are commonly linked with the presence of a TMJ disorder. Your dentist might point this out while looking inside of your mouth. When any of the joints or muscles involved become damaged, you could feel an array of symptoms. The damage could be caused by an injury to the TMJ, but there are also chronic health conditions that can play a role in the pain. If the disc linking the ball and joint socket sustains any type of damage, the entire system of bones, muscles, discs, and ligaments will stop functioning properly.
TMJ Symptoms
So, which symptoms should you be on the lookout for? TMJ has a few common manifestations, including:
• Aching in the face, especially near the temporomandibular joint
• Pain or tenderness throughout the jaw
• Temporomandibular joint pain
• Aching around the ear area
• Difficulty opening and closing the mouth (due to the joints locking up)
• Pain or difficulty while chewing
These symptoms might come and go, and they can be worse at night for some people. They can also worsen over time, which is why it is important to address them with your dentist as soon as possible. For some people, at-home remedies can help ease the pain and discomfort. However, others will need medical treatment in order to get their symptoms under control.
Causes of TMJ
There are a handful of potential causes of TMJ disorders. The most widely-known causes are:
• Arthritis
• Misalignment of the teeth and jaw
• Injury to the jaw
• Injury to the teeth
• Stress
• Poor posture
• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
• Constantly chewing gum
Let's talk about what puts you most at risk for developing TMJ. First of all, poor posture in the neck and upper back can cause a lot of problems, including TMJ disorders. The same goes for stress, which can lead to jaw clenching and teeth grinding - things you might not be consciously aware that you do.
Women aged 18 to 44 are the most at risk population, and those with chronic inflammatory arthritis are even more at risk. You might also be at an elevated risk based on genetics or from having misaligned teeth that do not get corrected.
TMJ Treatment Options
Luckily, TMJ disorders are treatable. While NSAIDs and at-home remedies are typically the first line of defence against the pain, TMJ disorders can need more done to correct them. Botox is becoming more popularly used. Even though Botox is known for its ability to treat migraines, Botox can alleviate muscle tension that causes TMJ pain. When injected into the masseter muscle, Botox can relieve the pain, allowing the muscle to relax.
Botox has long-term results for many patients and does not require invasive surgery. It might even decrease the probability that you will damage the temporomandibular joint, and it could eliminate your need for pain medications. However, Botox isn't recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or for those with neurological disorders. Also, if the TMJ is already damaged, you might need more than Botox injections in order to correct the problem. Of course, visiting the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa for a consultation can help you determine what you need.
If you are experiencing pain, aches, or clicking in your jaw, don't brush it off. It could actually be TMJ. Visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre, located in Ottawa, to learn more about TMJ and get your case treated. Contact us today to book an appointment and learn about the treatment options available for you.
