Woman with severe jaw pain.

Jaw / TMJ

The term TMJ refers to a variety of conditions that affect the TMJ, the hinge that connects the jaw and the muscles one uses to chew. While usually temporary and recurring, these conditions can be painful. Your North Valdosta Dental Care dentists have treatments available that may give you relief from TMJ symptoms.

woman in pain suffering toothache touching face sitting on a couch at home
woman in pain suffering toothache touching face sitting on a couch at home

The term TMJ refers to a variety of conditions that affect the TMJ, the hinge that connects the jaw and the muscles one uses to chew. While usually temporary and recurring, these conditions can be painful. Your North Valdosta Dental Care dentists have treatments available that may give you relief from TMJ symptoms.

What does TMJ stand for?

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which are the hinges that connect your lower jaw to your skull. The numerous disorders associated with the TMJ muscles are often referred to as “TMJ” or “TMD” (TMJ Disorders). TMD is not just one condition but a group of painful disorders that affect the TMJ and the muscles one uses to chew.

What is TMD or TMJ Disorder?

TMD is not just one condition but a group of painful disorders that affect the TMJs and the muscles one uses to chew. It affects more women than men and is usually temporary or occasional, but a small percentage of sufferers have serious chronic problems.

Do I have a TMJ Disorder?

The following are symptoms of TMJ Disorders. Not everyone experiences all of these problems. If you experience some of them, speak to your North Valdosta Dental Care dentists and have them perform a thorough examination.

    • Jaw pain, stiffness, or soreness
    • Jaw pain while chewing, biting, or yawning
    • Painful or tender jaw joint
    • Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
    • Restricted range of jaw movement or “locking” of the jaw in an open or closed position
    • Painful clicking, popping, grinding, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
    • Pain and fatigue when eating hard or chewy foods
    • Bruxism – grinding or clenching of teeth when awake or asleep
    • Earaches without an ear infection
    • Sensitive teeth and toothaches without evidence of dental problems
    • Teeth that break or crack without an apparent cause
    • Aching or radiating pain on the side of the head, face, neck, and shoulders
    • A burning sensation in the mouth/tongue
    • Frequent unexplained headaches – sometimes diagnosed as migraines
What causes TMJ Disorders?

TMJ is not completely understood by the medical community, so research on causes and treatments continues. Some contributing factors may include:

    • Trauma – a sharp blow to the face, head, neck, or jaw
    • Disease – osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout
    • Stress
    • Age and Gender – it most often affects women of childbearing age
    • Bad oral habits – some believe TMJ can be caused or aggravated by activities that put the jaw in stressful positions, including tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, wide yawning, and nail, lip, or cheek biting
    • Habits and posture – cradling a telephone between your ear and shoulder, talking excessively, straining the shoulder with a heavy shoulder bag, and hunching forward to read
    • Medical procedures – oral procedures that unnaturally hold the jaw open or those requiring intubations
    • Bruxism – teeth clenching or grinding
How can TMJ be treated?

Make sure to first discuss all your symptoms with your North Valdosta Dental Care dentists and get a thorough examination. They will want to rule out other dental possibilities for your symptoms. There are a number of treatments available, ranging from simple and gentle to more aggressive and permanent. It is best to make simple adjustments first, like eating soft foods and not chewing gum, and consider more complex or permanent solutions only if necessary. Discuss available options with your dentists.

Simple techniques you can try on your own:
    • Massaging the muscles of the face, neck, and shoulders
    • Practicing relaxation techniques designed to reduce stress
    • Maintaining good posture at work and home
    • Trying to keep the jaw relaxed
    • Avoiding hard foods and gum
    • Avoiding stressful jaw movements like big yawns
    • Getting plenty of sleep
    • Maintaining a good diet and drinking plenty of water
    • Moist heat or cold packs
    • Exercise
    • Over-the-counter pain medications
Medical solutions to discuss with your North Valdosta Dental Care dentists:
    • Prescription anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants
    • Mouth guards or splints – mouthpieces and special appliances designed to fit or adjust your bite
    • Reconstructive surgery
    • Orthodontics
    • Jaw joint or disc replacement

Make an Appointment for Your Smile!

229.469.9789

Make an Appointment for Your Smile!

229.469.9789

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        Monday:

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        8 am – 5 pm

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        Thursday:

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        8 am – 5 pm

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        8 am – 4 pm

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