Hello, my name is Dr. Marty Cloin. I am a practicing dentist with more than 30 years in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. A number of patients have found me because of my experience treating jaw related pain in the head and neck region. If you think for any reason after reading this article that you show symptoms of TMJ, please schedule an appointment to come see me and we will discuss your options according to what will be best for you.

Symptoms include jaw stiffness, limited mobility and otherwise locking of the jaw, a change in occlusion, or the way that the upper and lower teeth align together, and either a painful clicking or popping when the patient opens and closes his or her mouth.

If you are experiencing symptoms like those listed above, you may have temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly called TMJ or TMD.

What is the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint is the connection point where your mandible, or lower jaw, attaches to the temporal bone found on the sides of the skull. To feel this joint, simply place your index fingers just in front of your ears and open and close your mouth.

The joint relies on muscles and cartilage discs that pivot to create the open and close actions. What is unique to the temporomandibular joint is its ability to move the jaw from side to side as well, a motion called translation. Because of the temporomandibular joint’s ability to perform both of these actions you are able to chew food and carry on conversations.

Unfortunately patients with a TMJ disorder often experience pain during everyday activities.

What is a TMJ disorder?

A TMJ disorder (TMD) is a term used to describe a number of problems relevant to the temporomandibular joint. The areas of the face commonly affected by a TMJ disorder are the jaw, jaw joint, and the facial muscles used to control chewing. A patient with a TMJ disorder can experience muscle fatigue, pain, and jaw lock.

What causes a TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorders have several causes and can start without specific warning signs. A patient can also be diagnosed with single or multiple forms of TMJ disorder at the same time. A few common causes have been identified.

The first of these causes is related to the masseter muscles. Masseter — a name derived from the Greek “to chew” — is a highly active muscle group consisting of two parts, the superficial masseter and the deep masseter.

It is possible when the masseter muscles experience distress through grinding or clenching of the teeth that the muscle group becomes sore. Many patients grind or clench their teeth while sleeping and are unaware they are doing so. The patient may then experience myofascial pain; a deep, chronic muscle pain that persists or even worsens over time and often leads to stiffness in the muscles or joint. Patients may be able to identify myofascial pain by an area of tension in their masseter muscle, a knot or tight spot, or an area that is sensitive to touch. If you experience this type of pain, I invite you to schedule an appointment at my office to find out more. Please call us at 817-380-3593.

The second common cause of a temporomandibular joint disorder is common in patients with rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. In this scenario, a patient’s arthritis can lead to the degeneration of bone, cartilage tissues, or both. This can often lead to additional inflammation and discomfort, and sometimes, though rare, requires surgery.

The third cause is related to the way in which your teeth register when your jaw closes in alignment with the temporal bones. In this instance, there are numerous causes and no simple answers. Patients with dislocated jaws often experience TMJ symptoms because their jaw pops out of alignment, stressing the tendons and muscles that make up the temporomandibular joint.

Take note that it is possible to experience multiple forms of temporomandibular joint disorder and an appointment at my office can help detect what is causing the TMJ disorder and determine the right course of treatment. If you live in the Arlington or Mansfield area and you are experiencing jaw pain, please give our office a call for an appointment 817-380-3593.

How do I detect a TMJ disorder?

The road to recovery with TMJ begins with a diagnostic appointment. At my practice, I can identify the major cause(s) of your TMJ disorder and help you with a treatment plan for relief.

I will give you a thorough examination looking over all aspects of your health.

This examination will include an inspection of your teeth and bite alignment, identifying the painful areas of the joint and connective tissue by touch, sliding the teeth side to side, observing how the jaw opens and shuts. Other parts of the exam may include X-rays to identify abnormalities.

I will also weigh the examination with other circumstances you may be experiencing such as infections of the mouth or ear, neuralgia, or nerve pain, and other nerve-related problems before providing a conclusive diagnosis.

It is important to note that sometimes a physical exam may produce results that seem to be normal, and because of the diversity of causes, there is no simple solution that will work for everyone. However, if you have a TMJ disorder, there are some actions you can perform that may relieve some of the pain.

If I have been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, what can I do now for relief?

If your dentist has diagnosed you with a TMJ disorder, you’re not alone. Many millions of Americans experience a TMJ disorder at one point or another in their lives.

Depending on which type of TMJ disorder you are experiencing, there are things that you can start now to alleviate your pain.

At my practice, we teach therapeutic exercises and stretches that have been developed to strengthen and stretch your jaw muscles. Be sure to follow a regular exercise regimen, several times a week to help your muscles recuperate. We have an excellent staff that will help you.

When not eating or talking, allow your muscles time to relax. This can mean avoiding activities that trigger your symptoms, such as chewing gum and yawning.

I sometimes recommend short-term use of over the counter drugs such as Advil or Aleve.

Splints, such as a mouth or bite guard, can assist you with teeth grinding but may not prevent clenching. Many of my patients have found these useful during sleep. Take note that there are different types of splints, and I will be able to recommend the right solution for you after an exam.

Surgery may be an option, but only in rare circumstances. I will help you examine treatment options before you commit to a more permanent and expensive solution. With most of my patients, TMJ disorders resolved with the right kind of non-invasive treatments.

What can I do to avoid a TMJ disorder?

As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Some actions that you can start now to prevent or worsen a TMJ disorder include avoiding hard foods, hard candies, and chewing gum.

During physical activities, take safety precautions that will protect your teeth and jaw alignment. Maintain good posture at work or on the computer, and take time to relax your muscles.

Lastly, learning some relaxation techniques that unwind stressed muscles can help alleviate tension all over, especially in your jaw.

If you are in the Arlington / Mansfield area, and are experiencing any pain in your jaw, neck or head as described in this article, I invite you to schedule an appointment at my office for a consultation. I will listen to your concerns, examine your jaw, and discuss a treatment plan based on your needs.