Dr. Jennifer Buchanan, TMJ Dentist in Airdrie:
“You’ve likely heard the term “TMJ” thrown around, but what exactly is it, and why does it cause so much discomfort for those affected? TMJ stands for “Temporomandibular Joint,” which connects your jaw to your skull. This joint allows for the smooth movement of your jaw, enabling you to chew, speak, and open your mouth. When something goes wrong with the TMJ, however, it can lead to pain, discomfort, and a range of issues that affect your everyday life.
In this blog, we’ll explore what TMJ disorders are, where they come from, and—most importantly—what can be done to relieve symptoms rid of them.”
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder refers to problems with the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. When your TMJ isn’t working properly, it can cause significant pain and discomfort. The disorder itself can manifest in a number of ways, from mild discomfort to excruciating, chronic pain that disrupts daily life.
The root of TMJ disorder is often related to the alignment of your teeth and jaw. When your teeth are misaligned, they can put undue stress on the TMJ, leading to inflammation and pain. Over time, this stress can cause the joint to wear down, making the symptoms worse.
TMJ actually refers to the joint that attaches the lower jaw to your head. These 2 joints are the most complex in the body. They are ball and socket joints which have the unique capability of moving in 3 directions simultaneously, up or down, forward or backward and left or right.
The TMJ and teeth are part of the same bone so the position of your TMJ is largely determined by the way in which upper and lower teeth close together. When there is a problem with the bite between upper and lower teeth, the position of the joints can be altered which places excessive pressure on the nerve filled area surrounding them. Also, it twists or torques your jaw into a strained position which can affect the muscles in your face, head and neck muscles placing them under constant strain which is painful. The bite can be a factor in many cases because of the inter relationship between teeth, jaw joints as well as head and neck muscles.
Where Do TMJ Disorders Come From?
A major contributor to TMJ disorders is misaligned teeth, which can occur due to several factors. Misalignment disrupts the balance of pressure on your jaw, causing it to work harder than it should. Here are some common causes of misaligned teeth that can lead to TMJ problems:
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic grinding or clenching of teeth, often due to stress, wears down the enamel and alters the alignment of your bite.
- Jaw Injuries: Trauma to the jaw or face can misalign the TMJ and affect its function.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw can damage the cartilage and joints, leading to TMJ disorders.
- Genetics: Some people are born with bite misalignments or a jaw structure that predisposes them to TMJ issues.
- Dental Work: Improperly aligned crowns, fillings, or bridges can throw off the balance of your bite and put strain on the TMJ.
- Missing Teeth: When teeth are missing, it changes how pressure is distributed in your mouth, often leading to misalignment over time.
- Orthodontic Issues: Teeth that don’t come together correctly due to overbite, underbite, or crossbite may lead to additional stress on the TMJ.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms, many of which people don’t immediately associate with jaw problems. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Jaw joint pain or tenderness
- Jaw that gets locked out of place (can be locked open or closed)
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
- Limited ability to open the mouth wide
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth
- Loose teeth
- Clenching or grinding
- Sudden change in the bite
- Headaches or migraines, especially in the temples
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Facial pain or swelling
- Earaches or a feeling of fullness in the ears
- Ear congestion
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
In severe cases, TMJ disorder can lead to more than just physical discomfort—it can significantly affect your quality of life.
How a TMJ Disorder Can Affect Your Life
For those suffering from TMJ disorder, the impact often extends beyond just pain. It can interfere with nearly every aspect of life. Here’s how:
Work: Chronic pain can make it difficult to focus or complete tasks, lowering productivity and increasing stress levels.
Sleep: Many people with TMJ disorder have trouble sleeping due to the pain, which leads to fatigue and worsens symptoms during the day.
Relationships: Chronic pain can cause mood changes and irritability, making it harder to maintain relationships with family, friends, and coworkers
Daily Life: Simple activities like eating, speaking, or yawning can become painful, and the constant discomfort can drain your energy and enthusiasm for daily life.
Overall Health: Untreated TMJ disorders can lead to chronic inflammation and stress, negatively affecting your overall health and well-being.
The Solution: Rebalancing the Bite
If you’re experiencing TMJ symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional help. One of the most effective solutions is rebalancing the bite, which realigns the teeth and jaw to relieve stress on the TMJ.
TMJ Dentist Dr. Jennifer Buchanan at You First Dental in Airdrie, Alberta, provides TMJ disorder treatment through targeted dental procedures designed to correct misaligned bites. By addressing the root cause of the disorder, these treatments can significantly reduce or eliminate TMJ-related pain and discomfort.
The treatment process often involves:
Bite Adjustments: Correcting the way your teeth come together to reduce strain on the TMJ.
Orthodontic Treatment: Straightening misaligned teeth that contribute to jaw imbalances.
Custom Mouthguards: Wearing a mouthguard at night to prevent teeth grinding and relieve pressure on the jaw.
By restoring proper alignment, Dr. Buchanan helps patients find lasting relief from TMJ disorder, allowing them to return to their normal routines.
Take the First Step Toward TMJ Pain Relief in Airdrie
Diagnosis is key in determining if your bite is a major contributing factor to your problems. If tests indicate that your habitual bite is problematic, we will identify a healthier jaw position and bite. An optimal jaw position can reduce stress on the jaw muscles, alleviate pain and inflammation and eliminate painful TMJ dysfunction
TMJ disorder can be debilitating, but it doesn’t have to control your life. If you’re experiencing any symptoms or suspect you may have a TMJ issue, it’s essential to address the problem early. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan can help you regain comfort, improve your quality of life, and protect your long-term health.
If you’re ready to take control of your TMJ symptoms, consult with an experienced TMJ Dentist like Dr. Jennifer Buchanan at You First Dental in Airdrie. With the right care and treatment, your TMJ pain could be a thing of the past.
