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Do you frequently get headaches that interrupt your day? Or, perhaps, jaw pain that affects your ability to eat or speak? If so there is a chance that you could be experiencing TMD, otherwise known as temporomandibular joint disorder. The average person swallows 2,000 times per day, causing the upper and lower teeth to come together and push against the skull. If you have a poorly aligned bite or missing teeth, you may suffer from frequent headaches or sleep disorders because your jaw muscles must work harder to bring the teeth together, which strains the surrounding jaw muscles. What is the Temporomandibular Joint? The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint that slides and rotates just in front of the ear, consisting of the temporal bone and the mandible. Chewing muscles connect the lower jaw to the skull, allowing you to move your jaw forward, sideways and open and close. This joint works properly when the lower jaw and its joint are synchronized during movement. Temporomandibular joint disorder may occur when the jaw twists during opening, closing or side-motion movements. These movements affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control chewing. Causes and Symptoms Trauma to your jaw or jaw joint can sometimes play a role in TMD, but many cases the cause of the disorder is unknown. It is suggested that certain tasks, whether mental or physical, may cause or aggravate TMD, such as stressful situations or teeth grinding. Most discomfort is caused from the overuse of the muscles, specifically clenching or grinding of the teeth, otherwise known as bruxism. These habits exhausted the jaw muscles and lead to discomfort, such as headaches or neck pain. Some symptoms of TMD include:
• Jaw pain or soreness that is more prevalent in the morning or late afternoon.
• Jaw pain when you chew, bite or yawn.
• Clicking when opening and closing your mouth.
• Difficulty opening and closing your mouth.
• Locked or stiff jaw when you talk, yawn or eat.
• Sensitive teeth when no dental problems can be found.
• An earache without an infection. Categories of TMJ Disorder According to the TMJ Association, Ltd - a non-profit organization that serves patients, medical/dental professionals, and the general public through education, social and advocacy programs - there are three categories of TMJ disorders. You could have one or more types of TMD conditions at the same time. Some of the TMJ conditions include: • Myofacial Pain - this is the most common TMD condition that involves discomfort and pain in the muscles that control jaw movement.
• Internal Derangement - this is associated with a displaced disc in the jaw joint, a dislocated jaw or an injury to the condyle, which is the part of the lower jaw that acts as a hinge.
• Arthritis - this TMD pain involves degenerative and inflammatory joint conditions. At the first sign of discomfort, visit your dentist for diagnosis and treatment. Your dentist knows your mouth best and how you handle day-to-day stress, allowing them to successfully treat your symptoms.
Dr. Reza Khazaie of Dental Specialty Group is an experienced prosthodontist; an Antioch dentures specialist, and dentist in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek and Antioch. Offering years of dental experience, Dr. Khazaie and his professional staff provide a number of services, including implants, TMJ and Concord dentures that deliver enhanced smiles and healthy teeth.
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