Temperomandibular joint disorder, often abbreviated as TMJ or TMD, is a painful condition in which a deficiency in the temperomandibular joint (TMJ) causes swelling. The TMJ is the set of joints on either side of the face between the lower jaw, or mandible, and the skull that allows the lower jaw to move up and down and from side to side. TMJD might occur for several reasons, including birth defects of the shape of the joint, teeth grinding, poor dental work, face trauma, poor dental health, and joint disorders. The best type of TMJ therapy for someone will depend on the underlying cause of the pain.
The best first step in TMJ therapy is getting the pain diagnosed. Often, people with TMD mistake their pain for a toothache or earache, as the pain can be referred along the nerves in this region. If a person suspects he has TMD, he can try opening and closing the jaw to see if there is any popping or clicking, if the jaw opens all the way, and if there is any pain with the opening and closing of the mouth. Headaches, earaches, and discomfort when chewing are other signs of the disorder.
If the disorder is caused by habits, such as grinding teeth or excessive gum chewing, the patient might try an occlusal splint, or night guard. This is supposed to prevent the patient from grinding his teeth in the night, but in some patients it has the opposite effect, causing the patient to bite down even harder. Still, it is a preferred TMJ therapy method, as it is reversible. Splints can also be designed to reposition the jaw for those with defective jaw positioning.
If the problem lies in a dramatically misshapen jaw, either due to trauma or birth defect, the patient may need surgery. Most dentists and physicians don’t recommend this TMJ therapy unless absolutely necessary, as it is a very painful procedure with a long recovery time, and it is irreversible. Changing the occlusal surfaces of the teeth is also not a first resort, because once they have been ground down, it can’t be reversed. When needed, however, both treatments can be very effective.
Many people with TMJD focus on managing pain in their TMJ therapy. A warm compress can be used to relax the jaw muscles and reduce strain when pain is just starting up, but if pain becomes worse, it is best to use a cold compress to reduce the swelling. Massaging the muscle on the lower jaw near the ear, called the masseter muscle, can also help. Over the counter pain medications can also be effective, especially anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, if taken as directed. Others see acupressurists and acupuncturists for help dealing with their TMJ pain.
