TMJ pain and soreness are common symptoms among modern adults. But can your bite cause TMJ problems? In this article, we discuss this question and other common causes of TMJ pain. Additionally, we provide information on treatment options for TMJ disorder.
Can Your Bite Cause TMJ Problems?
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. We have two such joints, one on each side of the skull. The temporomandibular joint is responsible for opening and closing the mouth, talking, and chewing.
Bite issues can cause TMJ problems because of an uneven distribution of forces when you chew. As a result, the jaw joint and facial muscles got strained, leading to tension, spasm, and pain. Chronic tension can cause inflammation of the joint cartilage, leading to symptoms of TMJ disorder such as clicking, popping, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
Other risk factors of TMJ disorder include:
- Bruxism is one of the leading causes of TMJ issues. This condition is characterized by involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which primarily occurs at night but can also continue during the day. Bruxism is often caused by anxiety and stress.
- TMJ injuries and trauma, for example, are caused by accidents or even during excessive yawning.
- Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis in the jaw.
- Poor posture can affect the jaw alignment, leading to hypertension and pain.
- Bad habits such as constant gum chewing, nail biting, and chewing on hard objects (pens, pencils, etc.).
TMJ Disorder Treatment Methods
In most cases, several TMJ treatment methods are used simultaneously to achieve lasting results. The most common TMJ disorder treatment methods include:
Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments typically focus on achieving proper bite and teeth alignment to reduce strain in your TMJ and muscle tension. You can typically choose between braces and clear aligners for your orthodontic treatment.
Splints can be used to stabilize the jaw, prevent clenching, and reposition the jaw. Reshaping tooth surfaces can also help create a more even bite and reduce muscle strain. Younger patients can benefit from palatal expanders, which widen the jaw, allowing the teeth to align properly, while adults might require tooth extraction to create room for the teeth to move.
Bruxism Treatments
If bruxism is the cause of your TMJ pain, several methods might be employed to treat the condition and relieve the pain as a result:
- Wearing a mouthguard every night will help reduce jaw tension by preventing teeth grinding and constant jaw movement.
- Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, yoga, and facial massages, are recommended to relieve anxiety and muscle tension.
- Counseling can be an effective tool in reducing stress and anxiety — the leading causes of bruxism and jaw muscle tension.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for TMJ disorder includes the following methods:
- Massages
- Jaw exercises
- Posture correction training
All physical therapy techniques should be done or guided by a doctor.
Surgical Methods
Surgical TMJ disorder treatment methods range from minimally invasive procedures to major reconstructions:
- Arthrocentesis uses sterile fluid delivered to the joint via needles to flush out inflammation and break up scar tissue.
- Arthroscopy is used for procedures like disk repositioning.
- Open-joint surgery can also be used to reposition the disc, remove growths, or perform a disc removal.
- Modified Condylotomy is a surgery on the jawbone, which is used to treat locking or pain.
- TMJ replacement is used in cases of severe joint damage when other treatments fail to produce results.
Treat TMJ Disorder at Turquoise Dental
If you are concerned with tension, soreness, or pain in your Temporomandibular Joints, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Turquoise Dental. Our specialists will diagnose the cause of the issue and offer you a comprehensive treatment plan to achieve lasting results. We are looking forward to your visit.
