It's estimated that roughly 10 million Americans suffer from head, jaw, or neck pain associated with jaw disorders. A meaningful portion of these cases is attributable to TMJ and bruxism.
What Are TMJ and Bruxism?
Temporomandibular joint – commonly known simply as TMJ – syndrome 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 stress- or anxiety-related grinding or clenching of the teeth, which is known as "bruxism," – though this cause-effect relationship can also work the other way, with the discomfort from TMJ actually causing patients to begin grinding or clenching their teeth.
What Are the Main Causes of TMJ?
There are a number of factors that, often in combination, can lead to TMJ disorder. The most common of this variety of factors include:
- Bruxism – As mentioned above, bruxism refers to the excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth, often as a result of stress or anxiety. This grinding or clenching puts pressure on the TMJ.
- Arthritis – Broadly speaking, arthritis causes inflammation and damage to the joints, of which the TMJ is one.
- Trauma or injury – Trauma to the jaw, head, or neck can cause damage to the TMJ.
- Misaligned bite – Misalignment between the upper and lower teeth can put excess pressure on the TMJ.
- Stress – Stress can cause people to tighten their facial and jaw muscles and to clench or grind their teeth, all of which can lead to TMJ pain.
- Connective tissue disorders – Disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome can damage the connective tissue in the TMJ.
- Poor posture – Poor posture can cause strain on the neck and jaw muscles, which can, in turn, lead to TMJ pain and dysfunction.
What Are the Common Symptoms of TMJ?
Improper functioning of the TMJ can manifest in a number of physical symptoms. The most common among these include:
- Sore jaw muscles and joints, especially right after waking up in the morning
- Clicking and/or popping sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
- Chewing surfaces in the teeth that are flat and/or worn down through the enamel (as a result of teeth grinding), exposing the second, soft and yellow layer of the tooth
- Tooth edges that are worn down
- Tooth sensitivity to cold temperatures or brushing
- Teeth, crowns, or bridges coming loose or breaking for no obvious reason
- Generalized tooth pain
- Headaches
- Locking jaw or difficulty moving the jaw or biting
- Ringing in the ears
What Are the Potential Effects of Not Treating Bruxism?
As noted above, bruxism is the medical term for the excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth, typically as a result of stress or anxiety. Left untreated, bruxism can lead to a variety of issues, including:
- Tooth damage – Constant grinding and clenching can wear down the teeth over time, causing chipping, cracking, or even tooth loss.
- Jaw pain and TMJ disorders – Bruxism can lead not only to muscle pain in the jaw but can also contribute to TMJ disorders.
- Headaches – The constant clenching and grinding associated with bruxism can strain the muscles in the head and neck, resulting in tension headaches.
- Sleep disturbances – The grinding and clenching associated with bruxism can disrupt sleep patterns.
- Increased anxiety and stress – Ironically, though the grinding and clenching associated with bruxism can be the body's involuntary means of dealing with anxiety and stress, they are more likely to exacerbate these feelings.
- Ear pain – Given the proximity of the ear to the jaw, TMJ dysfunction caused by bruxism can result in referred pain in the ear.
If left untreated, bruxism clearly can have a significant impact on not only an individual's dental and physical health but also their quality of life. It's very important that anyone who suspects that they may have an issue with excessively grinding or clenching their teeth consult with a dentist or other healthcare provider.
North Idaho Bruxism Treatments Explained
Fortunately, for individuals suffering from TMJ pain due to bruxism, various bruxism treatment options are available. The most common among these are:
- BOTOX – as BOTOX (botulinum toxin) slows or even temporarily paralyzes muscles in which it is injected, a small dose of BOTOX directly into the muscles of the jaw can help stop habitual teeth grinding and jaw clenchings
- Occlusal splints – also known simply as night guards are custom-molded hard plastic devices that fit over the upper teeth and both protect natural teeth, crowns, and implants from the wear and cracking that come from constant clenching and grinding and help to relieve muscle and joint tension and pain
Home remedies, including:
- Muscle stretching exercises help reduce the discomfort from tooth grinding and prevent its recurrence.
- Meditation and yoga – as many of these issues seem to stem from mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression, natural, mindful stress reduction techniques can offer excellent relief from the effects of bruxism.
- Turmeric milk – The perfect way for a bruxism sufferer to wind down the evening, as the amino acid tryptophan in milk helps your nervous system relax and promotes sound sleep, while turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce jaw pain and headaches.
The Difference Between TMJ vs.TMD
In the interest of avoiding confusion, it's important to point out the difference between TMJ – which, again, stands for temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull – and the related – and similarly abbreviated – but distinct TMD.
TMD stands for "temporomandibular disorder," which is a group of conditions that affect the TMJ and the muscles and nerves that control the movement of the jaw. In short, TMJ refers to the physical joint in the body, while TMD refers to the range of symptoms and conditions that can affect that joint.
TMD can be caused by a variety of the aforementioned factors, including teeth grinding, arthritis, trauma or injury, a misaligned bite, stress, and connective tissue disorders. Common symptoms of TMD include pain, swelling, or tenderness in the jaw, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, difficulty chewing or speaking, and a feeling of the jaw being locked or stuck.
There are a variety of treatments for TMD, some of which yield the best results when used in combination with others. Treatment for TMD may involve a number of approaches, including changes in lifestyle and stress management techniques, physical therapy, medication, or even, in more extreme cases, surgery.
If a person suspects that they may have TMD, their first priority should be to get an evaluation from a dentist or doctor in order to determine a) whether they do have TMD and b), if so, the best course of treatment for their specific situation.
TMJ Treatments in Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint, ID
If you're in the Coeur d'Alene or Ponderay and Sandpoint areas and think you might need TMJ treatment, contact dentist Dr. Chace Mickelson and the team at one of North Idaho Dental Group's two locations to schedule a consultation appointment.