Bruxism splint

The temporomandibular joint is located at the base of the skull in front of the ear structure and connects the lower jaw (mandible) with the upper jaw (maxilla).

Unlike most joints located in the body, the TMJ is unique in its structure, composed of a rounded protrusion of the mandible that sits against an indentation in the skull, and a disc-like structure made of a soft bone called cartilage found in between the two bones (articular disc).

These three parts of the TMJ are held together by ligaments originating from different parts of the head and neck to support the jaw and guide its movements. Several muscles are connected to those ligaments, and many aid in the motion of the lower jaw.

The TMJ works in two ways to open your mouth: The first way is like a hinge to simply open and close the mouth, just like a hinge on a door. The second way is a sliding motion called translation, wherein your lower jaw moves down and forward. This motion helps the TMJ to move backward and forward and from side to side for actions such as eating, yawning and singing – some of the most common.

Like any other joint in the body, the TMJ can be fractured, swell and become sore, causing limited movement of the lower jaw and pain radiating to the head and neck area.

A fracture to the actual articular disc is rare, but it can be displaced, causing severe pain and swelling.

Unlike other joints such as knees and hips, arthritis of the TMJ is very rare, and hard to treat with anti-inflammatory drugs alone. Nonetheless, pain in the TMJ is often temporary, and can be treated with a combination of ice then heat to relieve the sore ligaments and muscles surrounding the joint.
Find relief from TMJ disorder today by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Cristian Dunker. You can call the office directly, or book your visit using the convenient online tool.

It is believed up to 70% of the population have some form of TMJ Dysfunction. The Temporomandibular joint provides a wide range of movement and a number of short-term and long-term factors can lead to it becoming misaligned. Many people may only have mild or temporary discomfort. However, up to 12% of people are known to have ongoing or chronic pain which will only be relieved if the jaw is realigned properly and steps taken to prevent it becoming misaligned in future.

There are several risk factors for TMD: Poor posture in the neck and upper back muscles may lead to neck strain and abnormalities of jaw muscle function. Stress may increase muscle tension and jaw clenching. Patients with other chronic inflammatory arthritis have increased risk. People with jaw trauma or poorly positioned teeth have increased risk. People who have a genetic predisposition to pain sensitivity and increased stress responses may be more susceptible.

TMJ may appear in the healthy individuals, but some sensory, psychological and psychological factors put someone at risk of suffering TMJ pain:

• Gender: women are at high risk of suffering TMJ syndrome. There is also a difference in how men or women respond to pain medications.
• Age: women who are between 18-44 are at a high risk of suffering TMJ 
• Pain tolerance: the studies had suggested that people who are more sensitive to the pain, they are at risk of suffering TMJ syndrome.

Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaws?
Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?

The more times you answered “yes”, the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.

Stress is considered to be a cause of TMJ. Stress can cause many physical symptoms, TMJ pain being one of them. Stress can also cause teeth clenching and grinding, which are known to cause TMJ as well. TMJ, stress, and anxiety may all cause similar symptoms, sometimes making a diagnosis challenging.

Teeth grinding, or bruxing, places pressure on the muscles, tissues and supporting structures of the jaw, causing pain and joint dysfunction.

When you suffer the pain into the jaw or over the chewing muscle on occasion, it may not be a reason for concern. However, you need to see your dentist if the pain is too severe or if it refuses to go away.

Surgical treatment is considered only after all other conservative treatment options have been exhausted.

While TMJ Dysfunction is not life-threatening, it certainly impacts the quality of life. Persistent headaches and jaw, neck or ear pain can disrupt daily life and turn people towards pain relieving medication which has further health complications. TMJ can also be a leading indicator that you are stressed or grind your teeth. Getting on top of these issues early will prevent further health complications.