TMJ and Jaw Pain

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TMJ DISORDER?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull on each side of your face. Each joint has a cartilage disc inside to prevent the bone surfaces from wearing and damaging each other. TMJ problems affect 20–30% of the adult population, and are more common in women and those between the ages of 20 and 40. The symptoms are varied and can include clicking, popping, or grating sounds coming from the jaw; muscle pain that can be felt in the cheeks and temples; jaw joint pain; or severe tension headaches.

The following is a list of some of the more common TMJ symptoms. 

• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Jaw locking
• Jaw clicking
• Back pain
• Face pain
• Ear pain/stuffiness
• Neck ache
• Fatigue
• Shoulder pain

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF TMJ DISORDER?

Discomfort or pain in the TMJ can have many causes including, but not limited to:

• Trauma to the jaw or surrounding muscles and tissues from a sporting injury, car accident or other physical incident
• Misaligned bite from uneven teeth, incorrect bite or loss of bite height
• Daytime clenching of the jaw and nighttime grinding of teeth while asleep
• Stresses on other areas of the skeletal system, e.g. neck and lower back

Often the cause of the problem will be a combination of these factors.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR TMJ DISORDER

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen may help relieve TMJ pain. Muscle relaxing injections (Botox) may be prescribed for severe pain. Other treatment options include splints to prevent clenching and grinding, jaw exercises, stress-relief and habit management, or acupuncture to relieve pressure in the affected area. Severe pain caused by damaged joints may require more invasive treatments, such as corticosteroid injections into the TMJ.

YOUR DENTIST

Dr Anna Stevens has a special interest in the treatment of TMJ disorder and orofacial pain. She has a Masters of Science in Medicine (Pain Management) and is a member of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Orofacial Pain. She utilises the latest clinical protocols, leading technology, and proven research to deliver the most effective treatment for orofacial pain, including the use of muscle relaxant (Botox) injections.