TMJ Disorders

What is the TMJ?The Temporo-Mandibular Joints (TMJ), are two matching joints located just in front of your ears. The joint connects your mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone of the skull. You move it every time you talk, swallow, yawn, or chew. It is, therefore, one of the most frequently used of all joints in the body. To feel your joint, put your finger in front of the triangular structure in front of your ear, then move you finger just slightly forward and press firmly while you open and close your jaw. The motion you feel is the TMJ. You can also feel it’s movement by placing your finger in your ear canal and pressing forward.
  • What are the symptoms of TMJ pain
  • - Ear pain, may be sharp or dull. It often radiates into the surrounding muscles causing pain and/or spasms of the jaw, neck and temple
  • - Ringing in the ears
  • - A sense of fullness or pressure in the ears
  • - Popping or clicking noises
  • - Locking of the jaw, or difficulty in opening the mouth fully
  • A common focus of pain is the ear. Many patients see an otolaryngologist convinced that their pain is from their ear or an ear infection. When the earache is not associated with a hearing loss and the eardrum and ear canal looks normal, the ENT specialist will consider the possibility that the pain comes from the TMJ. It may be one side, or both.
  • What causes TMJ disorders
  • In most patients, pain associated with the TMJ is a result of displacement of the cartilage disc that causes pressure and stretching of the associated sensory nerves. If you habitually clench, grit, or grind your teeth, you increase the wear on the cartilage lining of the joint. Many people are unaware that they grind their teeth as this often can occur at night. Stress has been implicated as contributory factors to TMJ dysfunction. Improper bite, malpositioned jaws and arthritis can also result in damage to the TMJ.

  • What can be done for TMJ pain
  • If you are diagnosed early, TMJ pain will probably respond to these simple, self-remedies:
  •  - Rest the muscles and joints by eating soft foods
  •  - Do not chew gum
  •  - Avoid clenching or tensing
  •  - Relax muscles with heat compresses (1/2 hour at least twice daily)

  • Relaxation techniques and stress reduction, patient education, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and other medications may also be helpful.

  • If the above therapies are not treating the pain, often seeing a dentist or oral surgeon is advised. They may recommend further workup, night guards to prevent grinding, or surgical options for advanced cases.