Have you ever noticed a clicking or popping sound in your jaw? Do you frequently get headaches, even when you’re not stressed? Maybe you find yourself clenching your teeth at night, or you have to shift your jaw just right to find a comfortable bite. If any of these sound familiar, you might be experiencing symptoms of TMJ/TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder.

At Breathe Deep Dental in Bend, Oregon, we understand the frustration and discomfort that TMJ/TMD can bring. We see it all the time, and it's something we're passionate about helping our patients overcome.

In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into TMJ/TMD: what it is, what causes it, how we diagnose it, and what treatment options are available.

What Is TMJ/TMD?

Think of your jaw like a hinge—the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)—connecting your lower jawbone to your skull. This joint is responsible for all sorts of movements, from chewing and talking to yawning and even just swallowing.

We have what we call a "tooth bite"—how your teeth fit together when you close your mouth. We also have a "jaw bite"—how your jaw joint is most comfortable. When these two don't align perfectly, it's like trying to force a hinge to open at an awkward angle. That's where the trouble starts.

This mismatch can lead to pain and discomfort in the joint itself, as well as headaches, teeth grinding, and even ear problems. It's like your body is trying to reach a state of equilibrium, but that mismatch keeps throwing it off. Over time, you might notice your teeth wearing down, or even the joint itself could be affected.

Recognizing the Signs

If you're experiencing any of the following, you might want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sophie to chat about your TMJ:

• Popping or clicking in the joint: This is a common symptom and often the first sign that something isn't quite right.
• Headaches: TMJ/TMD headaches can be persistent and feel like a dull ache that won't go away.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism): This usually happens at night and is often a sign that your jaw muscles are trying to compensate for a misaligned bite.
• Pain when chewing: If you feel pain or discomfort while eating, it could be a sign of TMJ/TMD.
• Limited jaw movement: If you can't open your mouth as wide as you used to, or it feels stiff, it's worth checking in with a professional.
• Facial pain: Pain in the face, especially around the jaw, temples, or ears, can also be a symptom.
• Earaches: Believe it or not, TMJ problems can sometimes lead to earaches.
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears): This is another unusual symptom that can sometimes be caused by TMJ/TMD.

What Causes TMJ/TMD?

While a mismatch in your tooth bite and jaw bite is a common culprit, there are many other factors that can contribute to TMJ/TMD. Think of it like a domino effect—one thing can lead to another:

• Stress and Clenching: We all experience stress in our lives, and for some people, that stress manifests as clenching their jaw muscles. Over time, this can lead to TMJ/TMD.some text
  • Tip: Practice stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. Try to be aware of clenching and gently relax your jaw when you catch yourself doing it.
• Trauma or Injury: A car accident, a fall, or even a forceful blow to the jaw can cause damage to the TMJ and lead to TMJ/TMD.
• Arthritis: Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the TMJ. This can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty opening your mouth.
• Genetics: Sometimes, TMJ/TMD is simply a family affair. If your parents or siblings have TMJ/TMD, you're more likely to experience it yourself.
• Other Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, like fibromyalgia, can increase your risk of developing TMJ/TMD.

Diagnosis is Key

At Breathe Deep, we believe that accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to TMJ/TMD, so we need to understand your unique situation before we can recommend the best path forward.

• The Wastie Programmer: This tool plays a vital role in separating your tooth bite from your jaw bite. It helps us understand where your jaw joint is comfortable and then figure out how to make your teeth align with that.
• Physical Examination: Dr. Diepenheim will examine your jaw joint, your bite, and the muscles around your jaw.
• X-rays: X-rays can help us visualize the TMJ and any potential problems within the joint.
• MRI or CT Scan: In some cases, a more detailed imaging study, like an MRI or CT scan, may be recommended to provide a clearer picture of the joint.

Treatment Options for TMJ/TMD

Once we understand the root cause of your TMJ/TMD, we'll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. Your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition and your individual needs.

• Conservative Treatment: We always start with the least invasive options, and these can often be very effective:some text
  • Stress Management: We'll encourage you to adopt stress-reducing techniques like the ones we mentioned earlier.
  • Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or Tylenol can help manage pain and inflammation.
  • Muscle Relaxants: In some cases, muscle relaxants may be prescribed to reduce muscle tension and pain.
  • Bite Guards: These custom-made devices are worn at night to prevent teeth grinding.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches can help strengthen the muscles around the jaw and improve joint mobility.
• More Involved Treatment: If conservative methods aren't enough, we may recommend:some text
  • Orthodontics: Braces or clear aligners can be used to correct tooth bite discrepancies.
  • Equilibration: We can gently polish the enamel off of your teeth in specific areas to adjust your bite.
  • Restorative Dentistry: If your teeth have been significantly worn down due to TMJ/TMD, we may need to replace or repair those teeth.
  • Joint Surgery: In very rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the TMJ. This is usually a last resort and often involves a specialist.

TMJ/TMD FAQs

We get a lot of questions from our patients about TMJ/TMD, so we thought we'd address some of the most common ones:

Can TMJ/TMD go away on its own? 

Sometimes, yes. If your TMJ/TMD is caused by temporary stress or a minor injury, it may resolve itself over time. However, if it's more severe or persistent, it's best to seek professional help to prevent further complications.

What if I have TMJ/TMD? What should I do? 

Don't wait to seek help. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and make treatment more effective. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Diepenheim at Breathe Deep Dental.

What are the long-term effects of untreated TMJ/TMD? 

Leaving TMJ/TMD untreated can lead to chronic pain, joint damage, and even hearing loss.

Are there any home remedies for TMJ/TMD? 

While home remedies like warm compresses and relaxation techniques can provide temporary relief, they don't address the underlying cause of the problem. They are best used as a supplement to professional treatment.

A Memorable Case

One of the most memorable cases that Dr. Diepenheim has helped treat involved a patient who came in with a strange symptom: she couldn't hear out of her left ear. This was a frustrating situation for her as she had seen multiple doctors and even had an MRI, but no one could figure out what was wrong.

Dr. Diepenheim, recognizing that TMJ issues can sometimes affect the ear, asked a few specific questions about her jaw bite. It turned out that the patient had a significant mismatch between her tooth bite and her jaw bite.

After correcting the bite with orthodontic treatment, the patient's hearing began to improve dramatically! She was ecstatic to be able to hear out of that ear again after years of struggling. This experience solidified Dr. Diepenheim's belief that TMJ/TMD can manifest in surprising ways, and the importance of considering the whole picture when diagnosing and treating patients.

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

At Breathe Deep Dental, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the teeth. If you're experiencing any symptoms of TMJ/TMD, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diepenheim. We'll work together to find the right solution for you and help you achieve a healthy, comfortable bite and a happier, pain-free life.

Call us today at (541) 262-6101 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!