Understanding Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs)
A temporomandibular disorder (TMD) causes pain or tenderness in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of the jaw. The TMJ, a complex joint, enables us to chew, swallow, yawn, and speak.
This joint works in conjunction with the surrounding muscles and ligaments and has a wide range of movement. TMDs affect approximately 33% of people over their lifetime, causing severe pain for some and varying degrees of discomfort for others.
Causes and Symptoms
Injury or arthritis often cause TMDs, or even a combination of the two. Moreover, clenching or grinding your teeth can exacerbate pain in the joint. Additionally, researchers have found a correlation between stress and TMD.
However, it remains unclear whether stress causes pain in the joint or if joint pain results in stress. In severe cases, TMJ pain can have life-altering effects. Consequently, a medical professional needs to diagnose the specific type of TMD you’re suffering from, as there is a wide spectrum of disorders.
Treatment Options
Unfortunately for those suffering from TMD, treatment options are limited. Nevertheless, some patients can find relief through massage therapy, acupuncture, or physical therapy. As dental professionals, we recommend a comprehensive exam to determine if creating a custom night guard can ease the discomfort of clenching and grinding.
Many people are aware that they clench or grind, and your dentist will look at your teeth for any signs (wearing of the tooth structure). Furthermore, a history of headaches or migraines and muscle discomfort can be telling signs as well. Therefore, a night guard is often a good place to start to find relief.
Managing TMD During Dental Appointments
TMD discomfort can worsen with long periods of mouth opening. Hence, please let us know if you have these symptoms. We do our best to accommodate your needs during your appointments. In addition, we would love to discuss your options for treatment and may refer you to a specialist for further treatment. Thus, please don’t hesitate to ask any questions.
References
Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941
Canadian Dental Association
https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/talk/complications/temporomandibular_disorder/
American Family Physician-Diagnosis and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0315/p378.html
Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy-Management and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Clinical Perspective
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2813497/