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What Causes TMJ Pain?

Pain in your jaw and face can be insufferable, and it’s even worse when you’re not sure what’s causing it. For some, facial pain is related to a temporomandibular joint disorder. But what causes TMJ pain? And are there certain risk factors? 

Find out what TMJ disorder is and how to treat it here.


What Is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge-like joint that connects your upper and lower jawbones. 

Your TMJ consists of muscles, ligaments, and bones that move your jaw in all directions. However, when this joint isn’t working properly, it could mean you’re experiencing a TMJ disorder.


What Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder is a dysfunction of the jaw muscles and nerves that causes inflammation of the temporomandibular joint. An injured or inflamed TMJ can lead to clicking, popping, or discomfort when opening and closing your mouth. The condition may be acute or chronic, with pain ranging from slight to severe.


What Causes TMJ Pain?

While TMJ disorder symptoms are easily noticeable, they’re not as simple to diagnose as you might think. In fact, there are tons of potential causes of TMD, including, but not limited to: 

  • Misaligned bite
  • Missing teeth causing an uneven biting surface
  • Arthritis in the joint
  • Connective tissue diseases
  • Disc erosion in the jaw
  • Overuse of the jaw
  • Stress or anxiety causing you to tighten your facial muscles
  • Grinding and clenching teeth
  • A jaw injury like whiplash 
  • Poor posture

Generally speaking, most chronic TMD cases are caused by damage to the joint, arthritis, or illness. If you’re experiencing sudden TMJ pain, trauma to the jaw is a likely culprit. Your TMJ can become bruised, dislocated, or suffer damage when met with harsh impact. So if you’ve recently been in an accident or sustained a blow to the jaw, that could be the cause of an onset TMJ disorder. 

Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, is another probable cause. Oral health issues, such as damaged teeth or gum disease, may also cause TMJ pain. 


Does TMJ Disorder Go Away?

Minor cases of TMJ disorder will usually go away on their own. Most TMD symptoms last anywhere from a few days to a few months. Chronic TMJ disorders, however, can produce dull, aching pain for months or years.


TMJ Disorder Symptoms

To understand TMD and what’s causing it, it helps to know what symptoms to look for. If you’ve experienced any of the following symptoms, you may have a TMJ disorder:

  • Pain or tenderness in your jaw, face, neck, and shoulders
  • Pain in and around your ears
  • Hearing problems or ringing in the ears
  • Dizziness
  • Swelling on the sides of your face
  • Difficulty chewing or opening and closing the mouth
  • Toothaches 
  • Severe headaches

Symptoms of TMJ disorder may range from mild to debilitating pain and discomfort. These symptoms can also be related to other conditions, which is why it’s important to see a dentist or medical professional for TMD treatment. 


Types of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorders fall into three categories: muscle disorders, degenerative joint disorders, and internal derangement disorders. Each of these can be experienced on its own, or you can have more than one. 

  • Muscle Disorders: Muscle disorders are the most common type of TMD. They’re caused by periodic grinding and clenching of the jaw muscles. Muscle disorders are distinguished by pain and discomfort in the muscles that control jaw function.  
  • Degenerative Joint Disorders: Degenerative joint disorders are primarily caused by aging or overuse of the jaw muscles. They can also be triggered by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or disc erosion in the jaw. Other risk factors include poorly aligned or dislocated bites. 
  • Internal Derangement Disorders: Internal derangement disorders are caused by a structural deformity of the jaw. Cause factors include displaced TMJ discs, severe facial trauma, and jaw dislocation. 

How Is TMJ Disorder Diagnosed?

Tooth decay, sinus problems, and gum disease all present symptoms similar to TMJ disorder. To diagnose your symptoms, a dentist will ask about your health history and perform an oral exam. They’ll also assess for pain and tenderness and listen for popping or clicking sounds when you move your jaw. 

Your dentist may also take X-rays to rule out other dental problems. 


How Is TMJ Disorder Treated?

For most, symptoms of TMJ disorders are treated with at-home practices, including: 

  • Dentist-recommended jaw exercises to improve movement
  • Over-the-counter medicines
  • Soft food diet 
  • Use heating pads and ice packs to reduce swelling
  • Avoid chewing gum or wide-mouthed yawns
  • Reduce stress

You may need help from your doctor or dentist if TMD symptoms don’t improve with these treatments. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may also be prescribed the following: 

  • Medications to relax the jaw muscles 
  • Medications to reduce swelling
  • Steroid or Btelotox injections
  • Dental splints or bite guards to prevent teeth grinding 
  • Physical therapy 

In rare cases, TMJ surgery may be recommended to treat your condition. Because of its risks, surgery is only an option when conservative treatments fail to treat symptoms. It’s generally safer to try non-surgical, non-invasive treatment options first. 


TMD Treatment in Point Pleasant, NJ

If you have aching in your face, temples, or jaw, you may be experiencing TMD. Make an appointment with our Point Pleasant dentist or call 732-714-1030 today to learn more about TMJ disorders and your options! 

About the Author: Dr. Joseph Zicchino provides a wide array of cosmetic dentistry services, including Invisalign® Clear Aligners, at his practice in Point Pleasant, NJ. He earned his dental degree from NYU Dental School and established Coastal Dental Group in 2004. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (732) 714-1030!