Overcoming Your TMJ Pain in Jaw
The temporomandibular joint is the two joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. These joints work with muscles and ligaments to rotate and slide in front of the ears to provide jaw functions like swallowing, talking, and yawning. TMJ pain in jaw can also present itself as headaches, facial pain, neck stiffness and pain, and earaches.
Table of Contents
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD, includes any dysfunction or disability of the temporomandibular joint. Common causes of TMD are:
- Damaged joint cartilage caused by arthritis
- The jaw is out of alignment causing jaw disk erosion
- Improper alignment of the bite
- Trauma to the jaw and jaw joint
- Long term grinding and clenching
- Chronically overworking the jaw with constant movement over time
- Degenerative joint diseases like Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Healing TMJ Pain in Jaw
TMJ pain can make it difficult for the jaw movement responsible for chewing and talking. During periods of TMJ pain, support the joint by:
- Eating a soft food diet minimizes jaw joint movement and promotes muscle relaxation.
- Avoid excessively moving the jaw like long periods of talking or chewing gum.
- Warm compresses help with muscle pain and stiffness. Heat will increase blood flow and help relax the muscles that support the TMJ. Use for periods of 15-20 minutes.
- Cold compresses will help with pain associated with inflammation and swelling. Alternate for periods of 15-20 minutes.
- Use over-the-counter NSAIDs as instructed to reduce inflammation while reducing pain.
- TMJ massages to relax the involved muscles and ligaments.
More tips for TMJ pain are in our Treating TMJ Pain at Home article.
Night Guard for TMJ Pain
A custom-fit night guard is a great way to alleviate pain and prevent damage to the anatomy surrounding the TMJ. A night guard is a barrier between the top and bottom teeth opening the jaw slightly. A professionally made night guard will:
- Provides a custom fit that protects the teeth and stays in the mouth better while sleeping.
- Promotes tension relief and cushions the jaw muscles promoting relaxation.
- Prevents future damage to the TMJ and surrounding anatomy.
- Promotes TMJ healing and long-term relief.
Our Night Guards for TMJ Pain has additional information.
Surgery Options for TMD
Chronic TMJ pain in jaw can be debilitating and interfere with daily life. If the pain is continual and cannot resolve itself with at-home remedies, talking to your doctor about surgery may be the next step.
- TMJ Arthroscopy: This surgical procedure is done by opening a small hole and inserting a light and camera (Arthroscope) to visualize the joint. Being less invasive, this surgery’s recovery time is faster.
- TMJ Arthrocentesis: This surgical procedure involves using fluid to reduce inflammation byproducts and reduce pressure decreasing pain. The procedure does not involve an incision and any recovery is minimal.
- TMJ Arthroplasty: This surgery replaces, repositions, or removes parts of the joint. For TMD, this most likely involves the disc. This surgery comes with a high improvement rate in TMJ pain in jaw and range of motion.
- TMJ Full Joint Replacement: A TMJ joint replacement is only recommended for severe and debilitating pain. Recovery time for this surgery can be up to 8 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes TMJ to flare up?
TMJ flare-ups can be caused by several things. Overworking the jaw by chewing and talking for long periods of time can irritate the joint and muscles involved. Clenching and grinding can also lead to TMJ flare-ups.
What helps jaw pain with TMJ?
The best way to avoid TMJ pain in jaw is to be preventative. Avoid overworking the joint by reducing stress, avoid clenching and grinding, do not chew gum, and avoid opening wide. Using a night guard will also help protect the joint.
How do I know if my jaw pain is TMJ?
Pain near your ear, cheeks, and jaw can be caused by the TMJ. Difficulty opening and moving the jaw and locking of the jaw joint are also common signs of TMJ disorders.
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