If you suffer from head, jaw, or neck pain, you might suffer from problems with the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.
The TMJ is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull and facilitates jaw movement. TMJ issues typically arise due to misalignment between the joint and the teeth and facial muscles.
What Are the Main Causes of TMJ Disorder?
Numerous factors can combine to cause TMJ disorder. The most common among these include:
- Bruxism – the excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth, typically due to stress or anxiety, which places excess pressure on the TMJ
- Arthritis – causes inflammation and damage to all joints, including the TMJ
- Trauma or injury to the jaw, head, or neck
- Misaligned bite – misalignment between upper and lower teeth places excess stress on the TMJ
- Stress – stress can cause sustained clenching of the jaw muscles and tooth grinding, which can lead to TMJ pain
- Connective tissue disorders – certain disorders, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome, may harm the connective tissue in the TMJ
- Poor posture – Poor posture may strain the neck and jaw muscles and lead to TMJ issues
What Are Some Common Symptoms of TMJ?
Improper TMJ function can manifest in a number of physical symptoms. Some of the most common include:
- Soreness in the jaw muscles and joints
- Clicking or popping in the jaw when opening or closing the mouth
- Locking jaw or difficulty moving the jaw or biting
- Wear and tear to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, which can erode the enamel and expose the softer, yellow layer of the tooth underneath
- Excessive wear to the edges of teeth
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures or brushing
- Teeth or dental crowns or bridges coming loose or breaking
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
TMJ and Bruxism Treatments in Wilmington, DE
If you’re in the Wilmington area and would like to learn more about TMJ disorder and treatment options, contact dentist Dr. Jason Justison and the team at Justison & Gladnick Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation appointment.
