Jaw Joint Problems

TMJ or the temporomandibular joint is the jaw joint. You have two TMJs or jaw joints, one in front of each ear. These joints connect the lower jaw bone (the mandible) to the skull. The joints allow movement up and down, side to side, and forward and back—all the mobility necessary for biting, chewing and swallowing food, for speaking and for making facial expressions.

Some possible causes for jaw joint problems are..

Injuries to the jaw area.
Arthritis
Clenching or grinding of the teeth (Night grinding or Bruxism)
Bite problems

Symptoms of TMJ pain…

Tenderness re soreness in face muscles, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear while function(chewing, yawning etc)
Lower jaw may get “stuck” or “locked” in the open position
The joint makes clicking, popping, or grating sounds on movement.This may or may not be painful.
A tired feeling in your face or muscle fatigue while eating regular meals
Swelling of the acheing muscle,
Heaviness of head on waking in the morning, neck aches and shoulder pain
Dizzness, ringing sound in ears, earaches
Noticeable change in general neck posture

How can jaw joint problems be treated?

Most often TMJ pain settles on its own, however this could be facilitated by giving simple rest to the jaw which would involve taking only soft diet and restricting the mouth opening. At Mukha Facial Surgery & Implant Center, Dr.Girish Rao might also teach you specific excercises which will help to re-train and strengthen the jaw muscles.

In addition a soft splint may be given to be worn at night times which will help in preventing grinding or clenching of teeth at nights. In situations where the pain in the joint is excruciatingly severe, certain injections may be given to the joint which will reduce the pain and inflamation. In rare circumstances a surgical intervention of the jaw joint might be required.