SHARES
What is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
A temporomandibular joint is a hinge that joins your lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bones). It is situated in front of each ear. The joint allows movement of your jaw such as opening, closing of the mouth and side to side movement so that you can chew, talk and yawn.
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What causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders include problems of your jaw and the muscles in your face that control it. These problems may cause head and neck pain, facial pain, ear and headaches and locked jaw. Most of the time, more women than men have TMJ disorder.
The exact cause of TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. TMJ pain can be due to a combination of factors arise from problems with the muscles or the joint itself. Some common causes of TMJ disorder include:
- Grinding or clenching your jaw as a habit
- Arthritis which can be due to breakdown of the joint (degeneration) or wear and tear of normal aging
- Injury to the jaw, joint or the muscles of your head and neck
- Movement of the soft cushion or disc within the joint
- Cancer
What are some signs and symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder often lead to severe pain and discomfort, which can be temporary or long-term. It is more commonly found in people between 20 to 40 years old. Below are some signs and symptoms possibly due to TMJ disorder:
- Pain or discomfort in the face, joint area, in or around the ear when chewing, speaking or opening the mouth wide
- Limited mouth opening
- Stuck or locked jaw in the open- or closed-mouth position
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- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth. This may or may not be painful
- Difficulty chewing or uncomfortable bite, upper and lower teeth not fitting properly
- Swelling on the side of the face especially around the joint area
- Toothaches, headaches, dizziness and ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
When should I seek medical attention?
In most cases, the pain or discomfort from TMJ is temporary and usually can be relieved with non-invasive management and self-managed care. Some home treatment tips include using moist heat or cold pack to apply on the joint area, eating soft and small pieces of food, avoid extreme jaw movements and practise relaxation techniques to loosen up your jaw. Surgery is usually a last resort after conservative management fail to solve the problem.
It is important however to seek medical attention if you have persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw, or have difficulty opening or closing your jaw completely. A thorough clinical examination will be carried out by your dentist to ensure your joint and muscles are working normally.
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by Soh May Leng
Born and raised in Malaysia, May Leng obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, New Zealand. She has joined the GetDoc team to relay valuable health information to the public. Staying active plays a big part in her daily life especially through outdoor sports such as running and swimming. She also enjoys travelling and has a passion for photography. View all articles by Soh May Leng.
