An estimated 10 million Americans suffer from head, jaw, or neck pain associated with jaw disorders. A meaningful portion of these issues, namely "bruxism," is attributable to problems with the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.
TMJ syndrome is a disorder of the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull and facilitate jaw movement. TMJ issues often arise when teeth, facial muscles, and the TMJ are out of alignment.
What Are the Main Causes of TMJ?
There are a number of factors that, often in combination, can lead to TMJ disorder. The most common of these include:
- Bruxism – As mentioned above, bruxism is the excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth, often due to stress or anxiety, which puts excess pressure on the TMJ.
- Arthritis – Arthritis causes inflammation and damage to joints, like the TMJ.
- Trauma or injury – Trauma to the jaw, head, or neck can damage the TMJ.
- Misaligned bite – Misalignment between upper and lower teeth can put excess pressure on the TMJ.
- Stress – Stress can cause sustained clenching of the jaw muscles, leading to TMJ pain.
- Connective tissue disorders – Disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome can damage the connective tissue in the TMJ.
- Poor posture – Poor posture can cause strain on the neck and jaw muscles, resulting in TMJ pain.
What Are Some Common Symptoms of TMJ
Improper functioning of the TMJ can manifest in a number of physical symptoms, including:
- Sore jaw muscles and joints
- Clicking and popping sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
- Chewing surfaces of the teeth that are worn down through the enamel (as a result of teeth grinding), exposing the second, softer layer of the tooth
- Tooth edges that are worn down
- Tooth sensitivity to cold temperatures or brushing
- Teeth, crowns, or bridges coming loose or breaking for no obvious reason
- Headaches
- Locking jaw or difficulty moving the jaw or biting
- Ringing in the ears
TMJ Treatments in Huntsville, AL
If you're in the Huntsville area and think you might need TMJ treatment, contact dentist Dr. Brian Cook and the team at Twickenham Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation appointment.