Millions worldwide suffer from head, neck, and dental pain associated with jaw disorders. A significant portion of these cases are attributable to TMJ disorders.
What Are TMJ and Bruxism?
Temporomandibular joint syndrome––commonly known as TMJ––is a dysfunction of the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull and allow the jaw to move. TMJ arises when the teeth, facial muscles and temporomandibular joint are out of alignment.
A common cause of this misalignment is the excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth, known as “bruxism”. However, this cause-effect relationship can actually work in reverse, with TMJ discomfort causing individuals to begin grinding or clenching their teeth.
In addition to bruxism, several factors can contribute to TMJ pain, including:
- Arthritis-related joint inflammation
- Trauma or injury to the jaw, head, or neck
- Misalignment between upper and lower teeth
- Stress, which can cause people to tighten facial and jaw muscles and clench or grind their teeth
- Disorders like Ehlers-Danlos or Marfan syndrome, which can damage the connective tissue in the TMJ
- Poor posture that puts strain on the neck and jaw muscles
What Are the Common Symptoms of TMJ?
Improper functioning of the TMJ can manifest in a variety of physical symptoms, including:
- Sore jaw muscles and joints
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
- Grinding or clenching of teeth
- Chewing surfaces that are flat or worn down, exposing the soft, yellow sub-enamel layer of the tooth
- Sensitivity to cold temperatures or brushing
- Breakage of teeth, crowns or bridges
- Headaches
- Locking jaw or difficulty moving the jaw or biting
The Role of Dental Appliances in TMJ Treatment
Fortunately, there are dental appliances available to non-invasively treat TMJ pain. The most common among these are occlusal splints, which are commonly known as night guards. These custom-molded hard plastic devices fit over the upper teeth, protect natural teeth, crowns and implants from wear and tear and also help to relieve muscle and joint tension and pain.
TMJ Treatment in Brisbane, Queensland
If you are in the Brisbane, QLD area and would like to learn more about non-invasive techniques to relieve pain and improve functionality in your jawbone, dentist Dr Bao Nguyen and the team at Be Well Dental are available to arrange a consultation.