TMJ

• Pain is felt in or around an ear. Pain in the jaw spreads to the face or the neck and shoulders. Pain is felt when you open and close your mouth or you can’t fully open the mouth.

• Headaches. Toothaches.

Causes

• Clenching or grinding the teeth (bruxism).

• Poor posture or sleeping in a way that misaligns the jaw or creates tension in the neck.

• Stress in life when it results in muscle tension in the neck and shoulder.

• Incorrect or uneven bite or injury to the jaw.

Cancer of the Mouth

SEE ALL ARTICLES ON DENTAL & MOUTH CONDITIONS

Treatment

• Wearing a mouthguard or bite plate.

• Physical therapy.

• Medicine to reduce swelling. One type is given through a shot in the jaw joint. Muscle relaxants for a short period of time.

• Counseling if the TMJ is caused by stress.

• Surgery is a last resort.

Questions to Ask

Question 1

Does severe pain cause trouble eating? Or, can you not open or close your mouth?

Get medical care without delay. If symptoms are life threatening go to the ER or call 9-1-1. Don’t call 9-1-1 or use the ER if symptoms do not threaten life. Ask your doctor ahead of time where you should go for a problem that needs prompt care, but not emergency care.

Question 2

Do you have signs and symptoms of TMJ?

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Use Self-Care / Prevention:

You can probably take care of the problem yourself if you answered NO to all the questions. Use the “Self-Care” measures that are listed. Call your doctor if you don’t feel better soon, though. You may have some other problem.

Self-Care / Prevention

Self-care measures may reduce the need for medical treatment.

• Massage the jaw area several times a day, first with your mouth open, then with it closed.

• Wear a mouth protector or mouth device, as prescribed by your doctor or dentist.

• Take medication, as prescribed.

• Don’t chew gum or eat foods that are hard to chew.

• Try not to open your jaw too wide when you yawn and when you bite into foods, such as an apple, triple-decker sandwich, etc.

• To help reduce muscle spasms that can cause pain, apply moist heat to the jaw area. Use a washcloth soaked in warm water.

• If stress is a factor, use relaxation exercises.

• Take steps to reduce the risk of jaw injuries.

• Maintain a good posture.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

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