TMJ Treatment In Bellevue, WA

Jaw Pain Stumping You? TMJ Disorders Explained

If you’ve ever woken up with throbbing pain in your jaw, heard clicking when you open your mouth, or struggled to chew your food, you may be one of the millions of Americans affected by temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, commonly known as TMJ disorders. Characterized by pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles, these conditions can severely diminish one’s quality of life. Fortunately, Dr. Doneskey and the team at the Sleep Apnea and Facial Pain Center are here to ease your jaw pain.

What Are TMJ Disorders?

TMJ disorders (TMD), also known as temporomandibular joint disorders, are a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. These disorders can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, head, and neck. They also limit jaw movement and affect the ability to chew, talk, and swallow. 

Types of TMJ Disorders

There are several types of TMJ disorders, each with its own unique set of symptoms and causes. Some of the most common TMD symptoms include:

  • Myofascial Pain: The most common type of TMJ disorder. Myofascial pain is characterized by pain or discomfort in the muscles that control jaw movement. Various factors, including stress, overuse of the jaw muscles, and trauma to the jaw joint, can cause myofascial pain.
  • Internal Derangement: A type of TMD that occurs when the disc that cushions the jaw joint becomes displaced or dislocated, causing pain, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, and limited jaw movement. Trauma to the jaw joint, arthritis, or a misaligned bite can cause internal derangement.
  • Degenerative Joint Disease: A type of TMJ disorder that occurs when the cartilage in the jaw joint wears away over time, leading to bone-on-bone contact, pain, and limited jaw movement. Degenerative joint disease can occur from aging, trauma to the jaw joint, or other joint diseases.
  • TMJ Ankylosis: A rare but serious type of TMD that occurs when the jaw joint becomes fused, preventing normal jaw movement. Trauma to the jaw joint, infection, or certain medical conditions can cause TMJ ankylosis.
TMD
TMJ disorders

Causes of TMJ Disorders

The exact cause of TMJ disorders isn’t always clear, but the following factors may contribute to the development of the condition:

  • Jaw injuries, such as a blow to the jaw or whiplash
  • Grinding or clenching of the teeth, putting pressure on the jaw joint
  • Arthritis or other joint diseases that affect the TMJ
  • Dislocation or displacement of the disc that cushions the jaw joint
  • Stress or anxiety, which can cause muscle tension in the face and jaw

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

The symptoms of TMJ disorders can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:

 

  • Pain or tenderness in the jaw joint, face, or ear
  • Difficulty or pain when opening or closing the mouth
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
  • Aching pain in or around the ear
  • Headaches, neck aches, or shoulder pain
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Swelling on one side of the face

 

If you’re experiencing one or many of the symptoms listed above, it may be time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Doneskey at our Bellevue, WA office. 

Diagnosing TMD

If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMD, it’s crucial to seek medical attention from a dentist or doctor. They’ll perform a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam of your jaw joint and surrounding muscles. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI may be used to help diagnose the condition.

Treatment Options for TMD

Treatment for TMD depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. In most cases, conservative, non-surgical treatments are effective in relieving symptoms. 

These include:

  • Resting the jaw by avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods
  • Applying heat or cold packs to the jaw
  • Taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
  • Performing jaw exercises to improve flexibility and reduce tension
  • Wearing a nightguard or splint to prevent teeth grinding or clenching

 

If conservative treatments aren’t effective, more invasive treatments may be necessary, such as:

  • Injection of medication into the TMJ to reduce inflammation and pain
  • Dental procedures to correct misaligned teeth or replace missing teeth
  • Surgery to repair or replace the TMJ joint

Prevention of TMJ Disorders

While some causes of TMJ disorders are beyond our control, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition. Prevention tips include:

  • Avoid chewing gum or biting your nails, as these habits can put additional stress on the jaw joint
  • Practice good posture and reduce stress to help prevent muscle tension in the face and jaw
  • Wear a mouthguard or splint if you grind or clench your teeth
  • Seek prompt medical attention if you experience any jaw pain or discomfort

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TMJ disorder a common condition?
What are the risk factors for developing TMJ disorder?
Can children develop TMJ disorder?
Are there any dietary factors that can contribute to TMJ disorder?
Is TMJ disorder a common condition?

Yes, TMJ disorder is a relatively common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s more common in women than men and often affects people between the ages of 20 and 40

 

The exact prevalence of TMJ disorders is difficult to determine because many people don’t seek medical attention for their symptoms or are misdiagnosed with other conditions. However, research suggests that up to 12 percent of the population may experience some form of TMJ disorder at some point in their lives.

What are the risk factors for developing TMJ disorder?

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing a TMJ disorder, including:

 

  • Jaw injuries
  • Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
  • Arthritis or other joint diseases
  • Dislocation or displacement of the jaw joint disc
  • Genetics
  • Poor posture
  • Age
Can children develop TMJ disorder?

Yes, children can develop TMJ disorder, although it’s less common than in adults. Some common causes of TMJ disorder in children include jaw injuries, misaligned teeth or jaws, and habits such as nail biting or thumb sucking. 

 

Children with TMJ disorder may experience jaw pain, headaches, or clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint. If you suspect your child has TMJ disorder, seek medical attention from a healthcare provider who specializes in treating jaw disorders.

Are there any dietary factors that can contribute to TMJ disorder?

Yes, certain dietary factors can contribute to TMJ disorder: 

 

  • Eating hard or crunchy foods, such as nuts or popcorn, can put excessive strain on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, exacerbating TMJ disorder symptoms.
  • Chewing gum or eating chewy foods, such as candy or gumdrops, can also contribute to jaw pain and discomfort.
  • Consuming foods high in sugar or caffeine can contribute to muscle tension and pain, which can worsen TMJ disorder symptoms.

 

If you have TMJ disorder, opt for softer, more easily chewed foods.

Seek Soothing Relief for Jaw Pain

TMJ disorders can cause uncomfortable and painful symptoms that can negatively affect a person’s quality of life. However, with the right treatment plan, most people with TMJ disorders can manage their symptoms and improve their jaw function. 

 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorders, it’s critical to consult your dentist or doctor to determine the best course of action. For those in Bellevue, WA, and surrounding areas such as Clyde Hill and Mercer Island, call us at (425) 646-6409 to schedule an appointment with our experienced dentists today. We’re here to help you find a lasting solution for your TMJ disorder. 

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