It is estimated
that 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ syndrome, a condition
in which the temporomandibular joint does not function properly.
This is the joint that connects the temporal bone (the bone
that forms the sides of the scull) with the mandible (the
jaw bone). We use this joint more frequently than most of
the other joints in our bodies. Every time we talk, chew,
bite down, or swallow we put the TMJ to work. This condition
produces pain in the muscles and joints of the jaw that can
radiate to the face, neck, and head and even the shoulders.
There also may be difficulty opening the mouth all the way,
or clicking and popping noises when chewing, yawning, kissing
or moving the joint. The most common causes of TMJ are a poor
bite, and stress, combined with grinding of the teeth, especially
at night. Gum chewing can make this problem even worse.
More
Causes
Injury to
the joint, known as TMJ dysfunction, is caused by two events:
overuse of the joint, and favoring one side of the mouth when
chewing and biting down. Overuse usually applies to clenchers
and grinders -- people who tend to clench their jaws tightly
together for a variety reasons, primarily stress. Some people
grind their teeth while sleeping and are totally unaware they
are doing this. Gum chewers, who constantly work the joint,
tend to be susceptible to TMJ dysfunction . By chewing on
only one side of the mouth, undue stress is put on that side's
temporomandibular joint. This does not allow for even distribution
of force applied to the joint and pain will eventually develop.
The same happens to people who have "improper bites,"
meaning their teeth do not fit together correctly causing
one side of the mouth to close first when biting down and
chewing.
Feel
Your Joint
You
can locate the temporomandibular joint by placing your finger
on that triangle of skin in the front of your ear and then
moving it a tiny bit forward. You should be able to feel a
small depression between bones there. Now open and close your
mouth a few times to feel the motion of the joint. If this
hurts, you most likely have TMJ dysfunction. Don't worry,
if the pain there is bad, you may want to consult your dentist.
There
Is Help For TMJ Syndrome
Luckily,
there are a few things you can do to alleviate the pain and
possibly take care of it altogether without seeing a doctor.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
recommends trying some simple remedies. To reduce the amount
of wear and injury to the joint, chew evenly (left vs. right);
stop chewing gum; avoid hard chewy foods, and stop clenching,
or grinding your teeth. To aid the healing processes, apply
a heating pad (or some form of heat) for 20 minutes at least
twice a day. Two aspirin or ibuprofen tablets can help reduce
inflammation. Don't use them everyday; if the pain is that
bad, see your dentist.
If pain persists after a few weeks, or if it is already unbearable,
your should see your dentist
who can check the alignment of your teeth. Most cases of TMJ
dysfunction can be taken care of by either readjusting a patient's
bite or by fitting him or her with a mouth-piece. A special
mouth-piece is made to be worn at night to prevent clenching
and compression of the joint. This also may help correct the
bite. Your dentist should be qualified to do both of these
procedures.
Orthodontists,
physical therapists, and dentists all offer treatments for
TMJ. However, it is estimated that 90% of all TMJ cases respond
to simple, inexpensive treatments. So, before you or your
parents invest in expensive dental or medical treatments,
try simpler measures first, like giving up chewing gum for
a few weeks or more to see if that helps. If it does help,
you may have to can the gum all together. Also, avoid sleeping
on the side of your face where your jaw is more sore. If both
joints are affected, try sleeping on your back.
More severe
cases of TMJ dysfunction are referred to an oral surgeon who
can coordinate a treatment plan that may or may not include
surgery. Check out these other articles:
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or transcripts:
It is estimated
that 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ syndrome, a condition
in which the temporomandibular joint does not function properly.
This is the joint that connects the temporal bone (the bone
that forms the sides of the scull) with the mandible (the
jaw bone). We use this joint more frequently than most of
the other joints in our bodies. Every time we talk, chew,
bite down, or swallow we put the TMJ to work. This condition
produces pain in the muscles and joints of the jaw that can
radiate to the face, neck, and head and even the shoulders.
There also may be difficulty opening the mouth all the way,
or clicking and popping noises when chewing, yawning, kissing
or moving the joint. The most common causes of TMJ are a poor
bite, and stress, combined with grinding of the teeth, especially
at night. Gum chewing can make this problem even worse.
Injury to
the joint, known as TMJ dysfunction, is caused by two events:
overuse of the joint, and favoring one side of the mouth when
chewing and biting down. Overuse usually applies to clenchers
and grinders -- people who tend to clench their jaws tightly
together for a variety reasons, primarily stress. Some people
grind their teeth while sleeping and are totally unaware they
are doing this. Gum chewers, who constantly work the joint,
tend to be susceptible to TMJ dysfunction . By chewing on
only one side of the mouth, undue stress is put on that side's
temporomandibular joint. This does not allow for even distribution
of force applied to the joint and pain will eventually develop.
The same happens to people who have "improper bites,"
meaning their teeth do not fit together correctly causing
one side of the mouth to close first when biting down and
chewing.
You
can locate the temporomandibular joint by placing your finger
on that triangle of skin in the front of your ear and then
moving it a tiny bit forward. You should be able to feel a
small depression between bones there. Now open and close your
mouth a few times to feel the motion of the joint. If this
hurts, you most likely have TMJ dysfunction. Don't worry,
if the pain there is bad, you may want to consult your dentist.
Luckily,
there are a few things you can do to alleviate the pain and
possibly take care of it altogether without seeing a doctor.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
recommends trying some simple remedies. To reduce the amount
of wear and injury to the joint, chew evenly (left vs. right);
stop chewing gum; avoid hard chewy foods, and stop clenching,
or grinding your teeth. To aid the healing processes, apply
a heating pad (or some form of heat) for 20 minutes at least
twice a day. Two aspirin or ibuprofen tablets can help reduce
inflammation. Don't use them everyday; if the pain is that
bad, see your dentist.
If pain persists after a few weeks, or if it is already unbearable,
your should see your dentist
who can check the alignment of your teeth. Most cases of TMJ
dysfunction can be taken care of by either readjusting a patient's
bite or by fitting him or her with a mouth-piece. A special
mouth-piece is made to be worn at night to prevent clenching
and compression of the joint. This also may help correct the
bite. Your dentist should be qualified to do both of these
procedures.