Why tmj happens

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. You may not think about your temporomandibular joints TMJ much, but you use them a lot.

The joints connect your jawbone to your skull. Your TMJ springs into action each time you talk, chew, and swallow. TMJ disorders occur when something goes wrong with your jaw joints and jaw muscles.

Oftentimes, this happens because of a jaw injury , inflammation such as with arthritis , or overuse. According to one study published in the Journal of Dental Research, performing TMJ exercises increases mouth opening range more than using a mouth guard in people with TMJ disc displacement. For some exercises, there are frequency recommendations. Rest your tongue gently on the top of your mouth behind your upper front teeth.

Allow your teeth to come apart while relaxing your jaw muscles. Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth and one finger in front of your ear where your TMJ is located. Put your middle or pointer finger on your chin. Drop your lower jaw halfway and then close. There should be mild resistance but not pain. A variation of this exercise is to place one finger on each TMJ as you drop your lower jaw halfway and closed again.

Do this exercise six times in one set. You should do one set six times daily. Keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth, place one finger on your TMJ and another finger on your chin. Drop your lower jaw completely and back. Because the most common jaw joint and muscle problems are temporary and do not get worse, simple treatment may be all that is necessary to relieve discomfort. Short term use of over-the-counter pain medicines or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen; the use of a stabilization splint, or bite guard, that fits over upper or lower teeth may provide relief.

If a stabilization splint is recommended, it should be used only for a short time and should not cause permanent changes in bite. Studies of their effectiveness in providing pain relief have been inconclusive. Surgical treatments are controversial, often irreversible, and should be avoided where possible. There have been no long-term clinical trials to study the safety and effectiveness of surgical treatments for TMJ disorders.

Additionally, surgical replacement of jaw joints with artificial implants may cause severe pain and permanent jaw damage.

Some of these devices may fail to function properly or may break apart in the jaw over time. The TMJ Association is a nonprofit, patient advocacy organization whose mission is to improve the quality of health care and the lives of everyone affected by temporomandibular disorders.

Search Search. Consider asking your doctor or dentist about how physical therapy can help. Massage your neck and jaw muscles.

Where appropriate, ask your doctor or physical therapist about gentle stretches you can do at home. A doctor may recommend the following types of treatment: Medications such as pain relievers , muscle relaxers, or anti-inflammatory drugs. Oral splints or mouth guards. These oral devices can be soft or hard and usually slip over your teeth to help keep your jaw in place. Physical therapy. A physical therapist can give you stretches and massage techniques to help strengthen and stretch your jaw.

They can also do ultrasounds and an evaluation of behaviors that might be making your TMJ worse. Surgical options.

Some of these might include open joint surgery, arthrocentesis, injections at the joint, TMJ arthroscopy, or modified condylotomy. These procedures range from non-invasive to traditional surgery. Are you done with suffering from relentless jaw pain? Schedule an appointment to see our TMJ experts and find relief faster. Contact us today to get started. Meet the Team Dr. Timothy Muscaro Dr. Facebook-f Twitter Youtube. Understanding the Symptoms.

August 24, Dr. Caitilin Martini. Symptoms and Signs The best way to identify a TMJ disorder quickly is to understand what the symptoms feel like. Factors that can increase the chance of developing TMJ disorders include: Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis as well as osteoarthritis Long-term grinding or clenching of teeth Severe jaw injury Fibromyalgia A bite that is not in line Deformities of the face or jaw Sometimes, stress-related habits can lead to TMJ disorders.

Risks of Leaving TMJ Untreated If you choose not to seek treatment for your jaw pain, there are potential risks to your health. Medical Conditions TMJ can cause constant pain in some patients who struggle with jaw clenching and teeth grinding.