Thanks to the temporo-mandibular joint or TMJ (jaw joint), muscles of mastication, and facial muscles, we can chew, swallow, smile and speak. Temporo-mandibular disorder or TMD occurs when the function of TMJ and surrounding muscles is impaired.
Symptoms of TMD
- Tenderness and pain in the jaw muscles. The pain is more severe after waking up in the morning or after chewing foods or gums.
- Difficulty in opening and closing the jaws, sometimes locking of the jaws might occur.
- Unexplained headaches and having painful sensation in the neck area.
- Clicking sound when chewing, yawning, or opening the mouth widely.
- In severe cases of TMD, the mandible can be dislocated from its position.
Causes of TMD
Obviously, the causes of TMD are not always known, but in most cases stress is the prime suspect. The following are the most common causes:
- Bruxism or Grinding teeth, especially while sleeping at night. Some people, when stressed, severely clinch their teeth until the muscles of the jaw are exhausted causing great pain.
- Fractured or dislocated mandible (lower jaw)
- Some joint disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Mal-occlusion, which occurs when your teeth are not properly aligned in your jaws causing extra forces on TMJ.
- Missing, worn or loose teeth
- Gingival diseases
- Ill-fitting complete or partial dentures
- Bad habits, like biting on hard objects
How Can You Treat TMD?
1. Avoid stress and learn how to relax.
2. Be careful for the type of foods you eat:
- Avoid chewing hard objects
- Avoid chewing gums for prolonged hours
- Avoid opening your mouth widely when you yawn
- Eat soft diet or cut your food into small bites
3. Massage your jaw muscles; rub and stretch them. This will definitely ease pain.
4. Put a cold or warm compress on the area of painful jaw muscles.
5. When you are relaxed, your upper and lower teeth should be slightly separated, your tongue relaxed against your palate (roof of the mouth), and finally, your lips must be relaxed and slightly touching each other.
6. If you are suffering bruxism, your dentist will advise you to put night mouth guard; this is a bite pad worn at night while sleeping to absorb the forces exerted by your teeth when clenching.
7. Beware that clenching of teeth increases after coffee (caffeine) and alcohol consumption. Try to avoid such drinks.
Visit drdavidzelby.com to learn more about TMD and other oral-related issues
