TEMPOROMANDIBULAR joint and muscle disorders, commonly called TMJ, are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.

The condition appears to be more common in women than men. The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw, called the mandible, to the bone at the side of the head — the temporal bone. Because these joints are flexible, the jaw can move smoothly up and down and side to side, enabling us to talk, chew and yawn.

Muscles attached to and surrounding the jaw joint control its position and movement. Often, TMJ feels like your jaw is popping or clicking or even ‘getting stuck’ for a moment. The exact cause of this misalignment is often impossible to determine.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

TMJ disorders have many signs and symptoms. It’s often hard to know for sure if you have TMJ because one or all of these symptoms can also be present for other problems. Your dentist can help make a proper diagnosis by taking a complete medical and dental history, conducting a clinical examination, and taking appropriate X-rays.

Some of the most common TMJ symptoms include:

• Headaches (often mimicking migraines), earaches, and pain and pressure behind the eyes;

• A clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth;

• Pain brought on by yawning, opening the mouth widely or chewing;

• Jaws that ‘get stuck’, lock or go out;

• Tenderness of the jaw muscles; and

• A sudden change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

How is TMJ treated?

While there is no single cure for TMJ, there are different treatments you can follow that may reduce your symptoms dramatically. Your dentist may recommend one or more of the following:

1. Trying to eliminate muscle spasm and pain by applying moist heat or taking medication such as muscle relaxants, aspirin or other over-the-counter pain relievers, or anti-inflammatory drugs.

2. Reducing the harmful effects of clenching and grinding by wearing an appliance, sometimes called a bite plate or splint. Custom-made to fit your mouth, the appliance slips over the upper teeth and keeps them from grinding against the lower teeth.

3. Learning relaxation techniques to help control muscle tension in the jaw. Your dentist may suggest you seek training or counselling to help eliminate stress.

4. When the jaw joints are affected and other treatments have been unsuccessful, jaw joint surgery may be recommended.

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at the Dental Place Cosmetix Spa, located at Shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. Dr Robinson is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica, School of Oral Health Sciences. She may be contacted at 630-4710. Like their Facebook page, Dental Place Cosmetix Spa, for an opportunity to take advantage of weekly specials.