TMJ Disorders: What Causes Them and How To Treat Them

Do you hear clicking or popping noises when you open and close your mouth?

Are you experiencing tightness or muscle spasms in your cheeks or around your ears?

Do you feel pain in your jaw when you eat or speak—or even when you yawn?

These symptoms may indicate you have TMJ disorder, commonly called “TMJ.”

Dr. Stefania Brazzoli is a diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain. She is also an instructor in the Department of Oral Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

She recently answered questions about TMJ our patients at Penn Dental Family Practice (PDFP) often ask.

Watch the video above and read this edited and expanded version of Dr. Brazzoli’s answers. They will help you better understand what TMJ disorder is, why it occurs, and how to treat it.

What Is TMJ?

The acronym “TMJ” stands for the temporomandibular joint. This joint is like a hinge connecting your lower jaw to your skull. It is important in everyday activities like talking, chewing, and even breathing.

Basically, everybody has TMJ! We have two TMJs, to be precise.

But when we talk about “having TMJ,” we’re talking about problems of the TMJ. We’re talking about TMJ disorders: problems of the jaw joint itself, and also problems in the facial muscles.

What Causes TMJ?

We think there is a genetic predisposition toward TMJ, and that other factors can aggravate the problem. Those factors can include, for example, injury or trauma of the face and jaw, teeth grinding, arthritis, and even stress.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?

The most common symptoms of TMJ include:

• Jaw pain.
• Difficulty closing and opening your mouth when chewing or speaking.
• Clicking or popping sounds from the joints.
• Jaw locking when closed or open.

The symptoms of TMJ disorders aren’t just limited to the TMJ itself. They can also include neck pain, shoulder pain, and sometimes sounds in the ear like ringing or pulsating sounds. TMJ disorder headaches can also occur.

Is TMJ a Lifelong Condition?

TMJ’s duration can vary in intensity and severity. Sometimes it is an acute pain that comes and goes; sometimes, it lasts longer. Seeking appropriate treatment is important to prevent lifelong issues.

What Are the Most Common Treatments for TMJ?

Physical therapy is the main treatment for TMJ. Other treatment options can include:

• Managing the pain through medication.
• Making life changes like avoiding certain kinds of food or avoiding certain movements for a while.
• Using appropriate mouth guards or appliances.
• Receiving trigger point injections for TMJ.

Acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and relaxation techniques are supporting treatments for TMJ. They can help.

In rare, extremely severe cases, we actually suggest surgery as the last step of treatment.

Is Botox a Good Way to Treat TMJ?

Recently, Botox has been mentioned as a possible treatment for TMJ. The FDA has not approved Botox for treating TMJ. It can be helpful in certain cases. But so far, we don’t have enough proof to support its use to treat bruxism (clenching or grinding teeth) in general or TMJ in particular.

Who Treats TMJ Disorders?

Patients can partially take care of the problem themselves. They can apply an ice pack, practice relaxation techniques, or avoid chewing certain kinds of food.

However, receiving appropriate treatment from dental professionals trained in how to treat TMJ disorder is the best way to prevent possible long-term issues.

Penn Dental Family Practice Can Treat Your TMJ Disorder

If you’re ready for relief from the discomfort and pain TMJ disorders can cause, consult the dental professionals at PDFP. We provide expert, compassionate, and affordable care.

Schedule your appointment online now or call us at 215-898-PDFP (7337).