What is it ?

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)/ jaw pain, encompass a group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions that involve:

• the temporomandibular joints (TMJ)
• the masticatory muscles
• and associated tissues of the mouth, head, face and neck

TMD pain can be associated with dysfunction of the masticatory system like clicking or locking of the jaw and limitation of movement.

What are the different symptoms you can suffer from ?

• headaches / migraines
• dull pain in the jaw, fatigue
• limited opening, difficulties chewing, jaw locking
• noises in the joints, click at opening, during chewing, grating noise, pain in the joints
• teeth pain, clenching, grinding at night or during the day
• ear pain and tinnitus, stuffed ears
• cervical pain
• uncomfortable bite, malocclusion, teeth lost in relation to underdeveloped/ growth of maxillas.

Where does this problem come from ?

Temporomandibular disorders/ jaw pain have a biopsychosocial and complex multifactorial background such as :

• physical factors ( bruxism, occlusion, trauma, posture, cervicals issues, deep tooth aches………..
• environmental conditions
• biological mechanisms ( hormonal)
• psychological states and traits

How do we treat jaw pain ?

• to start with : understand what’s going on is crucial
• occlusal appliance therapy : relaxation/ repositioning mouthguard/ adjusted splint regarding symptoms
• pharmacologic therapy
• physical therapy, manipulations, jaw exercises, relaxation technique
• botulinum toxin injections in the jaw muscles, PRF / hyaluronic acid injection in the joint
• local anesthesia
• orthodontic treatment if occlusion is a problem
• consciousness of jaw tension, reducing nonfunctionnal tooth contacts
• consciousness of environmental stress and bad habits
• soft diet, jaw rest
• cold and hot therapy
• acupuncture, hypnosis, psychological support if necessary

Also learn about : Treatment for sleep apnea