- INTRODUCTION
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, also called Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), affect the joints and muscles that help your jaw move. These joints, located near your ears on both sides of your face, play a key role in talking, chewing, and other mouth movements. Consulting a Dentist when symptoms arise can help diagnose and manage these issues effectively. When they don’t work properly, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty in movement.
TMD is quite common and usually affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40. Studies show that women experience it more often than men. Although the discomfort can be frustrating, early care and proper management can help prevent long-term issues and improve day-to-day comfort.
- COMMON SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
The signs of TMD vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping sounds while opening the mouth, and difficulty in chewing or speaking. People may also feel stiffness in their jaw or notice it locking at times. Ear pain, toothaches, and neck or shoulder pain are also linked to this condition.
TMD can develop for several reasons. It might result from an injury to the jaw, teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis, stress, or an uneven bite. Certain habits, such as chewing on pens, biting nails, poor posture, or sleeping on your stomach, can worsen the condition.
If you grind your teeth at sleep or play contact sports, try wearing a mouthguard. You can also lower your risk by managing stress through breathing exercises, meditation, or maintaining posture in the correct form. Don’t take particularly big mouthfuls of food and refrain from using your teeth as instruments.
- DIAGNOSIS AND TEST
You should see a doctor or dentist if you experience symptoms that do not go away. During an examination, they will check how your jaw moves, look for tenderness, and feel the joints as you open and close your mouth. They may also order imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to get a detailed view of the joint. Diagnosing TMD early makes treatment more effective and prevents further damage from occurring.
- TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the disorder. In most cases, non-surgical treatments are enough to relieve pain and restore function.
For pain relief, doctors may recommend drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. In some cases, muscle relaxants or antidepressants are prescribed to reduce tension and manage chronic discomfort.
Non-surgical treatments include physical therapy with jaw exercises, the use of mouthguards or splints, and methods such as ultrasound therapy or TENS (which utilizes gentle electrical currents to relax muscles). Changes in lifestyle, such as avoiding heavy meals, developing better posture, and reducing stress levels, can also be highly beneficial.
If symptoms persist despite these treatments, surgical options like arthrocentesis, TMJ arthroscopy, or open-joint surgery may be considered.
With early diagnosis, good habits, and proper care, most people with TMJ disorders recover well and regain normal jaw function without long-term problems.
