The joint for your lower jaw bone is technical known as the TMJ or Temporo-Mandibular Joint. When there are problems with this joint, dentists refer to them generally as “TMD”, or Temporo-Mandibular Dysfunction. Some people have popping or clicking in the TMJ when opening or chewing food which may not cause any discomfort. Sometimes there is associated short or longer term discomfort in the joint. Some people clench and/or grind their teeth at night or both day and night, and may have discomfort in the face, ear, or joint, or may have associated headaches or migraines. Causes of “TMD” can be related to excessive clenching or grinding, trauma to the joint, pathology of the jaw, or “malocclusion” (crooked teeth that do not mesh together well).
Dentists can do simple evaluation of the jaw joint, your related history and habits, and your “occlusion” (how your teeth fit together) to help understand what might be causing your problems. Sometimes simple appliances such as a night guard or an NTI type mouth guard can be fabricated for you to help control harmful and damaging clenching and grinding habits. The “NTI” appliance is often very effective at reducing night (or day) clenching/grinding and subsequent headaches or migraines that some people develop. Sometimes your dentist may need to do selective adjustments to certain teeth to stop the harmful effects of a poor bite, such as teeth that excessively interfere with one another during chewing. These adjustments are know as “occlusal adjustments” or “equilibration”, and result in teeth that mesh together more smoothly and evenly. Sometimes orthodontics (braces or Invisalign clear aligners) will be recommended to achieve a healthier bite.
Some TMJ problems may be of a more severe nature, such as permanent deterioration within the jaw joint itself resulting from trauma or severe habit patterns or malocclusion. Patients may need to be referred to a dentist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of TMD. In other cases, successful treatment and relief can be achieved with the proper design and use of simple dental appliances as mentioned earlier, or simple bite adjustments or orthodontics.
If you have problems with your TMJ or migraine headaches that may be caused by clenching, check with Dr. Emerson to see if simple treatment options can help, or if referral to a TMJ specialist is needed.