What is TMJ/Bruxism and How is it Treated?

If you're experiencing pain, clicking, or popping in your jaw joint, you know how uncomfortable and worrying it can be. Whether the condition has come upon you suddenly, or you've been dealing with it for a while, you may be suffering from a condition called temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). This is often accompanied by Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth, although not always. The good news is that both of these conditions are easily diagnosed and treated if they're caught early.

TMJis an umbrella term for a host of TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) conditions. TMJ is more commonly used and specifically refers to pain in the jaw joints (also known as temporomandibular joints) and the muscle disorders known to cause the pain. It's estimated that more than 10 million Americans are affected by TMJand that the majority of sufferers are women.

There are a variety of symptoms associated with TMJ disorders. The most common symptom that sufferers report is pain in the joint and chewing muscles. Other symptoms of TMJ include the following:

• Pain that radiates to the face, jaw, or neck.
• Stiffness in the jaw muscle, usually only on the affected side.
• Limited jaw movement, or a locked jaw.
• Clicking, popping or grating accompanied by pain when the mouth is opened or closed.
• A change in the bite, or how the upper and lower jaws and teeth fit together.

No one really knows what exactly causes TMJ, but researchers have observed that most people begin to see symptoms in their early teens. It's theorized that the condition is brought on by the jaw developing at a different pace than the skull, resulting in pain and other symptoms. Other research indicates that people with osteoporosis or osteopenia, rheumatological problems, migraines, and other significant pain may also be at risk of developing TMJ. There is also evidence that menopausal women are more at risk than others. Excessive teeth-grinding, or bruxism, is also often cited as a common cause of TMJ.

People with Bruxismgrind, gnash, or clench their teeth in a nearly obsessive way. This happens unconsciously both while the person is awake and asleep. Many people don't even realize that they grind their teeth until they're told by a loved-one, or a dentist notices the damage to their teeth. One survey says that around 8% of the population suffers from bruxism to one degree or another.

Grinding the teeth and clenching the jaws are the most common symptoms of bruxism, but they are not the only ones. As with TMJ, the signs and symptoms of bruxism come in a variety of forms. They may include:

• Worn tooth enamel; flattened, fractured, or loose teeth.
• Tooth pain and increased sensitivity to heat or cold.
• Tight jaw muscles, or difficulty opening and closing the mouth completely.
• Pain or soreness in the jaw, neck, or face.
• Dull headache that begins at the temples.
• Damage to the inner cheek from chewing and scraping.

Similar to TMJ, there is no definitive answer to what causes bruxism, although it's thought to be caused by several factors. It is believed to be caused by a combination of physical and psychological factors, and genetics may play a part for some sufferers. Awake bruxism is often associated with coping with stress, anger, anxiety, and tension. Sleep bruxism, on the other hand, may be related to a disrupted sleep pattern due to lingering stresses from the day. Some individuals may also be at risk due to a family history of bruxism.

The symptoms of TMJ may be more prevalent at certain times more than others. High levels of stress and anxiety, excessive teeth grinding, and even the weather can trigger a TMJ episode. There are a few things that you can do at home to help relieve the symptoms and ease your pain. If those options don't give you relief, however, you may need medical treatment.

Stress and tension can lead to jaw clenching, tooth grinding, and eventually a sore and stiff jaw joint. The best treatment in this case is to relax. While that may not be as easy as it sounds, finding healthy ways to deal with the stresses of daily life is imperative. Try relaxation techniques like yoga, and gentle stretches to melt away the stress and relieve your tension.

Chewy or crunchy foods take more work to chew, causing wear and tear on the jaw joint which can lead to inflammation and pain. A thick sandwich or juicy steak might sound good for dinner tonight, but if it causes you pain, it won't be as enjoyable. Opt for softer foods, especially when TMJ symptoms are present, and be careful to open and close your mouth slowly and to chew gently.

The pain and inflammation that accompanies TMJ and bruxism can be uncomfortable to say the least. Temporary relief can be obtained by applying an ice pack to the affected jaw area as needed. Another simple, yet effective home treatment is an over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory pain medicine like ibuprofen. These medicines help reduce swelling and take away the pain at the same time, providing relief.

In some cases, TMJ and bruxism are treated with the use of a stabilization splint, also referred to as a bite guard. This device fits over the teeth to prevent grinding and clenching. Generally, the device is only worn at night when the patient is sleeping. Care must be taken, however, since long-term use of a stabilization splint can cause permanent changes to your bite. Follow your dentist's recommendations for its use.

If you suffer from jaw joint pain, or you have been diagnosed with TMJ or bruxism, you don't have to suffer in silence. Contact usat Murphy Dentistry today to schedule an appointment for an examination. Dr. Murphy and his team will work with you to determine the best course of treatment so you can forget about the pain and focus on what's really important in life.