TMJ: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

If your jaw pops, clicks or causes you pain, it could be a sign of Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction, or TMJ. The good news is, you don’t have to live with it. Contact your local Aspen Dental to learn about care options.

What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, enabling you to open and close your mouth. You have two TMJ joints—one on each side.

What causes TMJ?

✓ Jaw injury

✓ Teeth grinding (bruxism)

✓ Misalignment of teeth or jaw

✓ Arthritis

✓ Stress leading to muscle tension or jaw clenching

TMJ symptoms:

✓ Jaw pain or tenderness

✓ Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw

✓ Difficulty chewing or biting

✓ Feeling of locked jaw

✓ Chronic headaches or migraines

✓ Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction

A TMJ disorder is caused when your temporomandibular joint becomes misaligned or stressed, leading to pain and discomfort in the jaw, face or neck. You may experience chronic headaches, earaches or difficulty opening and closing your mouth.

TMJ dysfunction diagnosis process

If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, you’re probably ready to find relief. A visit to your local Aspen Dental can determine a diagnosis and treatment to correct the problem. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:

Personalized treatment

Like all Aspen Dental treatment plans, your TMJ treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs. Depending on the severity of your condition, your dentist may recommend treatments such as:

✓ Lifestyle and dietary modifications

✓ Customized oral appliances (splints or night guards)

✓ Physical therapy exercises

✓ Medications for pain and inflammation

Education and support

At Aspen Dental, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge. We'll educate you about TMJ and its causes and let you know how you can manage your symptoms on a daily basis. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Preventive care

We also emphasize preventive measures to help you maintain a healthy jaw. Our team will provide guidance on techniques and habits that can alleviate TMJ-related issues.

Guard against TMJ

Patients with TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders often receive an occlusal guard for treatment. This is commonly referred to as a night guard or bite splint, and helps to alleviate symptoms and prevent teeth grinding or clenching.

TMJ treatment options

TMJ treatment can vary based on the underlying causes and severity of symptoms. Possible treatments include:

✓ Over-the-counter medications for temporary pain relief

✓ TMJ night guards to prevent grinding your teeth while you sleep

✓ Physical therapy to improve your jaw flexibility and muscle strength

✓ Corticosteroid injections to relieve inflammation

✓ Surgical interventions for more severe cases, often as a last resort

✓ Neuromodulators, such as Botox, to reduce the power and size of jaw muscles

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) self-care

Heat and cold therapy

Apply a warm compress for muscle relaxation and cold packs to reduce inflammation.

Soft diet

Choose easy-to-chew foods, and avoid anything tough or crunchy.

Jaw rest and exercises

During rest, limit activities that strain your jaw, like excessive talking, singing or gum chewing. When you have the energy, you can perform gentle jaw exercises to improve mobility and strength.

Stress reduction

Manage stress with relaxation techniques to prevent jaw tension.

Better sleep habits

To prevent teeth grinding, it’s best to sleep on your back and wear a custom night guard appliance. It’s important to wear your night guard every night (not just when your jaw hurts!) to ensure optimal results.

Posture awareness

Maintain good posture to reduce neck and jaw strain.

Over-the-counter pain relief

Ibuprofen and Tylenol may relieve discomfort.

TMJ exercises

Below are some TMJ exercises that may help improve TMJ pain and provide relief:

1. Jaw relaxation exercise

• Sit or stand in a relaxed position

• Gently open your mouth as wide as is comfortable without causing pain

• Hold this position for a few seconds

• Slowly close your mouth

• Repeat this exercise five to 10 times

2. Resisted jaw opening

• Place your thumb under your chin

• Gently push your chin downward while you try to open your mouth

• Maintain resistance for three to five seconds

• Relax and repeat five to 10 times

3. Jaw closing exercise

• Place your thumb or two fingers on your chin

• Gently push your chin upward while you try to close your mouth against the resistance

• Hold for three to five seconds

• Release and repeat five to 10 times

4. Side-to-side jaw movement

• Keep your teeth slightly apart

• Slowly move your jaw to the left side

• Hold for a few seconds

• Return to the center

• Repeat on the right side

• Perform five to 10 repetitions on each side

5. Tongue-to-roof exercise

• Place the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth

• Apply gentle pressure upward with your tongue

• Hold for 5 seconds

• Release and repeat five to 10 times

TMJ FAQs

How do you cure TMJ permanently?

While there is no guaranteed permanent cure for TMJ, effective management often involves lifestyle changes, self-care and professional treatment options to alleviate symptoms and improve jaw health. Consult your Aspen Dental care team for personalized guidance tailored to your condition.

How long does TMJ last?

Some people may experience temporary discomfort that lasts a few weeks or months, others may have chronic TMJ issues that require ongoing management. Consult your Aspen Dental care team for a more accurate assessment of your condition.

What is a TMJ mouth guard?

A TMJ mouth guard, also known as an oral splint or night guard, is a dental device designed to alleviate the symptoms of TMJ. It helps by providing cushioning and support to reduce jaw clenching or teeth grinding, promoting relaxation of the jaw muscles and preventing further damage to the joint.

What is TMJ surgery?

TMJ surgery may be performed for severe cases of TMJ when conservative methods haven’t provided relief. It involves surgical procedures to repair or replace the jaw joint.