Why is my jaw aching? TMJ dysfunction explained

Have you been experiencing pain and discomfort while talking or eating? Issues with your jaw and the facial muscles that control it are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD) or TMJ dysfunction.

In this blog, learn more about the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the symptoms, causes, and treatments for TMJ dysfunction.

What is the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to the bottom of the skull (temporal bone).

There is one TMJ on each side of your head, in front of each ear. It is one of the most used joints in the body as it allows for the movements needed for speaking, eating and facial expressions.

What is TMJ dysfunction (TMD)?

Temporomandibular disorder, or TMJ dysfunction (TMD), encompasses a group of disorders of the masticatory system, broadly divided into muscular conditions and those affecting the temporomandibular joint.

Since the TMJ is one of the most frequently used joints in the body, any jaw pain or restriction of movement in this area can be very distressing and uncomfortable.

What are the symptoms of TMD/TMJ dysfunction?

• Jaw pain when eating or opening wide.

• Restriction in the movement of the jaw.

• Neck and facial pain.

• Headaches.

• Tenderness of the jaw.

• Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints.

• Clicking or popping of jaw.

• Popping sounds in ears.

• Locking of the jaw joint.

• Ear pain or earache.

• Stiffness in the muscles of the jaw.

What are the causes of TMD/TMJ dysfunction?

The exact cause of a person’s TMJ dysfunction is often difficult to determine. Jaw pain may be due to a combination of factors, such as:

• Arthritis.

• Genetics.

• Injuries to the muscles, bones, teeth or ligaments of the masticatory system.

• A ‘deviation’ from a gnathological ideal of how the jaws and teeth should align.

• Clenching and/or grinding of the teeth (usually at night).

• Neck or back problems.

• Dental treatment that has caused changes to the bite.

• Long periods of the mouth open (usually there is an underlying problem that this exacerbates).

How do you treat TMD/TMJ dysfunction?

In most cases, the jaw pain and discomfort associated with TMJ dysfunction is temporary and can be relieved with self-managed care or nonsurgical treatments. Surgery is typically a last resort after conservative measures have failed.

When it comes to treating TMJ dysfunction, Cambridge City Dental first perform a diagnosis. We take a medical history, a dental history, assess your bite, range of jaw movement and history of trauma, neck and/or back pain.

We then seek the help of a Physiotherapist. Not all Physiotherapists are comfortable treating TMD due to its complexity, so we usually refer to a specialist such as Neil Bowler at the Neck and Jaw Clinic. In most cases, physiotherapy is all that is needed to treat TMJ dysfunction. The physio will assess your musculoskeletal system and will work on these areas like any other joint or muscle over several appointments.

If teeth clenching or teeth grinding are involved, we will make an occlusal splint. This is a plate that you wear at night to relieve the pressures. If there is a disturbance in the bite, in consultation with the physio, we will make an occlusal splint that repositions the jaw so that the TMJ is in its most posterior, superior position. When the symptoms subside, we modify the bite to re-establish the bite in this harmonious jaw position.

Sometimes Botox injections into some of the jaw muscles can help relieve tension. The Botox will wear off over time and will need to be redone every six months. This treatment is best when physiotherapy hasn’t helped with the range of movements.

For acute symptoms, a prescription for pain medications that can include a muscle relaxant can help, especially at nighttime. Anti-inflammatory medications can help during the day.

As a last resort, when all else has failed, sometimes surgery to the joint is needed. This is an extremely specialist field. Keyhole surgery has revolutionised this previously very traumatic surgery.

If you are experiencing jaw pain or TMD symptoms, give Cambridge City Dental a call on or book a consultation and we can look at the options for you.

Are you experiencing jaw aches or pains? Contact Cambridge City Dental and discuss options for TMD dysfunction.