TMJ - Jaw Joint Problems:

"TMJ Syndrome" is a cycle of pain, muscle spasms, and joint imbalance in the area where the jaw meets the skull.  T.M.J. is an acronym for Temporo-Mandibular Joint.  This joint connects the temporal bone of the skull with the mandible bone of the jaw.  Cushioning these two bones is a thin disc of cartilage, and five muscles support this joint.

When the balance of these bones, cartilage, and muscles is lost, the result can be:

• Headaches and/or earaches
• Difficulty in opening and closing your mouth
• Clicking or popping in the joint
• Dull aching pain around the ear that spreads into the face
• Sore or painful jaw muscles.
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The condition can be caused by:

• Clenching or grinding the teeth
• A bad bite caused by missing teeth or poorly-aligned teeth
• A blow to the joint
• Arthritis
• Emotional stress

Clenching and grinding will often go away once any potential stress has been reduced; thus, ending the cycle of T.M.J. syndrome.

In the meantime, there are other ways to break this cycle. You can:

• Reduce muscle spasms and pain with moist heat
• Take inflammation-reducing drugs and muscle relaxants
• Have the muscles massaged
• Eat a soft diet

To restore balance to the joint, your Dentist may recommend:

• crown teeth
• fill spaces
• adjust the bite
• move teeth

In extremely severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged part of the joint.

A splint, which is a plastic mouthpiece, can reduce clenching and grinding and help restore harmony to the joint.

Millions of people suffer from TMJ disorder.  Treatment and lifestyle changes can break the TMJ disorder cycle and restore comfort to the joint.

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When Chewing:

Jaw-joint pain when chewing is a symptom of Temporo-Mandibular Disorder (TMD) or more commonly called "TMJ Syndrome".   The syndrome is most prevalent with women between the ages of 25 and 40.   TMJ can be caused by:

• bad bite
• misaligned teeth
• missing teeth
• arthritis
• emotional stress

            Treatment:

Have your Dentist (or a Dentist who focuses on this disorder - there is no official specialty in dentistry for TMJ problems) perform a complete diagnosis to determine the causes so that a treatment program can be established.  A wide range of treatments are available.   

For a more comprehensive explanation see "Take this Book to the Dentist with You", by Charles B. Inlander.

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After Sleeping:

Experiencing jaw-joint pain in the mornings is an indication that you are grinding and clenching your teeth during the night.  This is one of the causes of Temporo-Mandibular Disorder (TMD).   

The syndrome is most prevalent with women between the ages of 25 and 40.   TMJ can be caused by:

• bad bite
• misaligned teeth
• missing teeth
• arthritis
• emotional stress

            Treatment:

Have your Dentist (or a Dentist who focuses on this disorder - there is no official specialty in dentistry for TMJ problems) perform a complete diagnosis to determine the causes so that a treatment program can be established.  A wide range of treatments are available.   

For a more comprehensive explanation see "Take this Book to the Dentist with You", by Charles B. Inlander.

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