The Prevalence of Temporomandibular Joint Problems
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), also referred to as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), are the most common source of chronic facial pain and jaw dysfunction. It is estimated that more than 10 million people in the United States are affected by temporomandibular joint problems.
What is the Temporomandibular Joint?
There are two temporomandibular joints that connect the left and right sides of the lower jaw to the temporal bone. Both joints and their associated muscles, ligaments and tendons work together to allow for all manner of oral function as the jaw moves up and down, front to back and from side to side. Containing a shock-absorbing, soft disc that sits between the rounded condyles of both sides of the lower jaw and the corresponding concavities in the skull’s temporal bone, the TMJ makes chewing, speaking, yawning and all jaw movements possible.
Since the TMJ is a joint with both up and down hinge-like movements, as well as side to side and front to back sliding motions to perform, it is often considered one of the most complicated joints in the body and one of the most difficult to treat when problems arise.
Types and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can fall into one or more of the following three categories:
The risk for developing a TMJ problem is greater in the presence of long-term teeth grinding or bruxism, a jaw injury or various types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Furthermore, the manifestations of a TMJ disorder can vary from person to person with a wide range of symptoms possible, including earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), headaches, back and neck pain, vertigo, muscle spasms and joint tenderness as well as jaw pain, popping or grating sounds with jaw movement, jaw locking and limited jaw movement. For some people a TMJ disorder can be resolved within a relatively short period of time, while for others it will continue to persist despite extensive therapy.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When evaluating for the presence of a TMJ disorder, the dentist will perform a thorough clinical assessment of joint symptoms and function. Special radiographic imaging and other diagnostic tests will be ordered as needed. The treatment of a TMJ disorder may include oral appliances such as night guards or stabilization splints to alleviate strain on the joints. Other types of therapy may include steroid injections, occlusal adjustments as well as orthodontic or prosthodontic treatment to improve occlusion. In cases of persistent and serious TMJ problems, surgery may be recommended.
Methods of self-care can be helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms of a TMJ disorder. Patients are typically advised to eat soft foods, avoid extreme jaw movement such as wide yawning and gum chewing, to practice stress reduction and relaxation techniques and applying ice packs or moist heat as directed. If recommended, a patient should follow the dentist or therapist’s instruction for gentle stretching exercises. The short-term use of over-the-counter, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications may provide relief. If not the dentist or physician may prescribe stronger pain or anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or anti-depressants.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint, the surrounding muscles and the way the teeth come together. They can produce pain, restricted movement and noises such as clicking or popping during jaw motion. The disorders range from muscle-based tension to internal derangement of the joint disc and degenerative changes.
Symptoms often fluctuate and may involve related areas such as the ears, head and neck because of shared nerves and muscular connections. Diagnosis focuses on identifying the dominant contributing factor so treatment can be targeted and conservative whenever possible. At Briter Dental, we emphasize careful assessment and individualized plans that prioritize reversible therapies first.
TMJ disorders are frequently multifactorial. Common contributors include teeth grinding or clenching, direct trauma to the jaw and inflammatory or degenerative joint conditions such as arthritis. Habitual behaviors like gum chewing, wide yawning and poor posture can also increase stress on the joint and surrounding muscles.
Genetic predisposition, hormonal influences and psychological stress that raises muscle tension may affect susceptibility and symptom severity. Because multiple elements often interact, successful management usually addresses several contributing factors rather than a single cause. Identifying and modifying reversible lifestyle triggers is a key step in long-term improvement.
Seek professional evaluation if you experience persistent jaw pain, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, or a catching or locking sensation during jaw movement. Audible noises such as clicking, popping or crepitus, especially when accompanied by pain or limited motion, warrant assessment. Because TMJ dysfunction can cause headaches, ear fullness, ringing in the ears or neck tension, these symptoms should also raise concern when they occur with jaw complaints.
If symptoms interfere with sleep, eating or everyday activities, early assessment improves the chances of symptom control with conservative measures. Also seek care when recent trauma to the jaw is followed by new or worsening symptoms that do not improve over a few days. A focused history and examination will help distinguish TMJ-related problems from dental, ear or sinus conditions that produce similar complaints.
Diagnosis begins with a careful medical and dental history plus a clinical examination that evaluates jaw motion, joint sounds and muscle tenderness. Clinicians will observe how the teeth meet, palpate the joint and muscles and assess range of motion and any deviations during opening. These simple tests often distinguish muscular pain from mechanical joint issues and guide next steps in care.
Imaging is used selectively when structural problems are suspected; options include panoramic radiographs, cone-beam CT for bony detail and MRI for disc and soft-tissue evaluation. Response to diagnostic trials such as an oral appliance or targeted physical therapy can also provide useful information about the primary pain source. A stepwise, evidence-informed approach helps avoid unnecessary invasive procedures while ensuring significant pathology is not missed.
Initial treatment for TMJ disorders emphasizes conservative, reversible strategies that patients can use immediately to reduce symptoms. Self-care measures include eating softer foods, avoiding wide yawning and hard or chewy foods, applying warm or cold packs as appropriate and practicing relaxation or stress-reduction techniques. Education about protective jaw habits is an essential component of early management and often produces meaningful improvement.
When symptoms persist, clinicians often add therapies such as custom oral appliances, physical therapy and short-term medical management to address inflammation or muscle spasm. Injections or other targeted interventions may be appropriate in selected cases but are considered after conservative measures have been tried. Long-term success frequently depends on a combined plan that addresses behavior, muscle function and any underlying structural issues.
Night guards and stabilization splints are commonly used to protect teeth from grinding and to reduce excessive muscle activity that contributes to TMJ symptoms. These devices are custom-made or adjusted to fit comfortably and to promote more balanced muscle function during sleep. For many patients they reduce soreness, limit tooth wear and provide a diagnostic benefit by showing how symptoms respond to altered jaw relationships.
Effectiveness varies depending on the underlying cause, and some patients require additional therapies such as physical therapy or habit modification for full relief. A careful fit and ongoing follow-up are important to ensure the appliance helps rather than creates new bite-related discomfort. The practice typically recommends reversible options first and reassesses progress before considering more invasive approaches.
Physical therapy plays a central role in treating TMJ disorders that have a strong muscular or postural component. Treatment may include guided stretching and strengthening exercises, manual therapy to mobilize the joint and soft tissues, and techniques to correct head and neck posture. Therapists often combine in-clinic work with a tailored home exercise program so patients can maintain gains between visits.
Improving posture and reducing compensatory muscle tension can diminish pain and restore more normal jaw mechanics over time. Physical therapy is frequently used alongside oral appliances and behavioral strategies to address multiple contributing factors. Regular reassessment allows therapists and dentists to adjust the program based on improvement or persistent limitations.
Surgery for TMJ disorders is reserved for patients with specific, objectively documented structural problems or those who fail comprehensive conservative care. Options range from minimally invasive procedures such as arthrocentesis or arthroscopy to open joint surgery for reconstruction or replacement in severe degenerative disease. Because surgical interventions carry risks and variable outcomes, candidacy requires thorough evaluation and multidisciplinary discussion.
Before recommending surgery, clinicians typically exhaust noninvasive measures and confirm the source of symptoms with imaging and functional testing. When surgery is undertaken, it is usually part of a broader rehabilitation plan that includes post-operative physical therapy and behavioral modifications. Shared decision-making helps ensure patients understand the potential benefits, limitations and recovery expectations.
Dental work and orthodontic treatment can influence jaw mechanics, but they are rarely the sole cause of TMJ disorders. Minor changes in how teeth meet sometimes contribute to symptoms, and in selected cases dental restorations or orthodontics are part of a comprehensive management plan. Clinicians prefer to use reversible diagnostic therapies first so that long-term dental or orthodontic changes are considered only when clearly indicated.
Orthodontic treatment aimed at improving occlusion may help some patients, particularly when malocclusion is a contributing factor, but results vary and must be individualized. Coordination between the dentist, orthodontist and other specialists ensures that dental procedures support overall joint health rather than exacerbate symptoms. Open communication about goals and realistic expectations reduces the chance of unnecessary or ineffective interventions.
You can reduce TMJ flare-ups at home by adopting protective habits such as soft foods during painful episodes, avoiding gum and hard candies, and limiting wide mouth opening. Regularly practicing relaxation techniques and correcting head and neck posture during daily activities also decreases muscle tension that feeds jaw pain. Keeping a symptom diary that tracks triggers, sleep, stress and diet can help clinicians identify patterns and tailor treatment.
If symptoms continue despite consistent self-care, seek a focused evaluation so that reversible in-office options and diagnostic testing can be considered. The team at Briter Dental offers multidisciplinary assessment and stepwise care to identify the primary drivers of jaw pain and to prioritize conservative treatments first. Early intervention and coordinated follow-up increase the chance of long-term symptom control and improved quality of life.