How can you alleviate ear pain caused by TMJ. What are the most effective home remedies for TMJ-related ear discomfort. Which professional treatments provide long-lasting relief for TMJ ear pain. How does TMJ affect your ears and overall facial comfort. Why are women more susceptible to TMJ disorders than men. What lifestyle changes can help prevent TMJ ear pain from recurring.

Understanding TMJ and Its Impact on Ear Health

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders can cause a myriad of symptoms, with ear pain being a common and often overlooked manifestation. TMJ disorders affect the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull, and due to the proximity of this joint to the ear, pain often radiates to this area. Interestingly, women are nine times more likely to experience TMJ pain than men, making it a particularly relevant issue for the female population.

Why does TMJ cause ear pain? The temporomandibular joint is located just in front of the ear, and when inflamed or misaligned, it can put pressure on surrounding nerves and tissues. This pressure can lead to pain that feels like it’s originating from within the ear itself. Additionally, the muscles and ligaments connected to the TMJ can become tense and inflamed, further exacerbating the discomfort.

Over-the-Counter Medications: A Quick Fix for TMJ Ear Pain

One of the most accessible methods for alleviating TMJ-related ear pain is the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin can be particularly effective in reducing swelling and easing pain in the ear canal and surrounding areas.

How do these medications work? They target inflammation, which is often the root cause of TMJ-related ear pain. By reducing inflammation, these drugs can help alleviate pressure on nerves and tissues, providing relief from discomfort. It’s important to note that while OTC medications can offer quick relief, they should not be relied upon as a long-term solution without consulting a healthcare professional.

Dosage and Precautions

• Follow the recommended dosage on the packaging
• Be aware of potential side effects, especially with prolonged use
• Consult a doctor if pain persists or worsens after several days of OTC treatment

Self-Exercises: Empowering Your TMJ Recovery

Self-exercises can be a powerful tool in managing TMJ-related ear pain. These exercises focus on improving jaw mobility and relieving tension in the surrounding muscles. By addressing the root cause of TMJ pain, you can often alleviate the associated ear discomfort.

Chin Tuck Exercise

The chin tuck exercise is simple yet effective in improving TMJ mobility:

1. Sit or stand with your back straight
2. Tuck your chin down towards your chest, creating a “double chin”
3. Hold this position for 5-10 seconds
4. Relax and repeat 10 times

How does this help? This exercise helps to stretch and strengthen the muscles that support your jaw, potentially reducing pressure on the TMJ and alleviating ear pain.

Resisted Mouth Opening Exercise

This exercise helps to strengthen the muscles that open your jaw:

1. Place your thumb under your chin
2. Apply gentle pressure
3. Slowly open your mouth, working against the pressure of your thumb
4. Hold for 5 seconds, then slowly close your mouth
5. Repeat 10 times

Why is this effective? By strengthening the muscles that control jaw movement, you can improve the overall function of your TMJ, potentially reducing ear pain and other symptoms.

The Healing Power of Professional Massage for TMJ Ear Pain

While often overlooked, professional massage therapy can be a game-changer in managing TMJ-related ear pain. A licensed massage therapist can target specific muscles and tissues around the jaw and ear, providing relief that may be difficult to achieve through self-massage alone.

How does massage help with TMJ ear pain? Massage therapy can:

• Reduce inflammation in the TMJ area
• Relieve tension in facial and neck muscles
• Promote healing of damaged tissues
• Increase blood circulation, which can reduce pain and promote relaxation
• Help drain fluid from the ears, potentially reducing pressure and discomfort

When seeking massage therapy for TMJ, it’s crucial to choose a therapist experienced in treating this condition. They will have specific techniques designed to target the TMJ and surrounding areas effectively.

Pressure Relief Techniques: Sucking and Jaw Relaxation

Sometimes, simple actions can provide significant relief from TMJ-related ear pressure and pain. One such technique involves sucking on various objects or foods.

How can sucking help relieve TMJ ear pain? The act of sucking creates a slight vacuum in your mouth, which can help equalize pressure in your ears and potentially alleviate discomfort. Some effective methods include:

• Using a straw when drinking
• Sucking on hard candy or cough drops
• Chewing sugar-free gum (in moderation, as excessive chewing can exacerbate TMJ issues)

It’s important to note that while these techniques can provide temporary relief, they should be used in conjunction with other treatment methods for long-term management of TMJ ear pain.

Heat and Cold Therapy: A Dual Approach to Pain Management

Alternating between heat and cold therapy can be an effective way to manage TMJ-related ear pain and reduce inflammation. This method, known as contrast therapy, can help soothe sore muscles and joints while promoting healing.

Heat Therapy

How does heat therapy help with TMJ ear pain? Applying heat to the affected area can:

• Increase blood flow to the region
• Relax tense muscles
• Reduce stiffness in the jaw joint

To apply heat therapy:

1. Use an electric heating pad or hot pack
2. Apply to the jaw and ear area for 10-20 minutes
3. Ensure the temperature is comfortable and not too hot to avoid burns

Cold Therapy

How does cold therapy benefit TMJ ear pain? Applying cold to the affected area can:

• Reduce inflammation
• Numb pain
• Decrease muscle spasms

To apply cold therapy:

1. Use an ice pack or cold compress
2. Apply to the jaw and ear area for 10-20 minutes
3. Always wrap the cold pack in a thin towel to protect your skin

For optimal results, alternate between heat and cold therapy several times a day. This contrast can help stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation more effectively than using either method alone.

Lifestyle Modifications: Preventing TMJ Ear Pain Recurrence

While treating acute TMJ ear pain is important, preventing its recurrence is equally crucial. Making certain lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing TMJ-related ear discomfort in the future.

Avoid Overusing Your Jaw

How can you prevent overuse of your jaw? Consider the following tips:

• Minimize excessive chewing (e.g., gum, tough meats)
• Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth (consider a night guard if you do this in your sleep)
• Practice proper posture to reduce strain on your jaw and neck
• Take breaks during activities that require prolonged jaw use (like singing or public speaking)

Dietary Adjustments

What dietary changes can help prevent TMJ ear pain?

• Opt for softer foods when experiencing a flare-up
• Cut food into smaller pieces to reduce the need for excessive chewing
• Stay hydrated to maintain proper muscle function
• Consider supplements that support joint health (consult with a healthcare provider first)

Stress Management

Stress can exacerbate TMJ symptoms, including ear pain. How can you manage stress effectively?

• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
• Engage in regular physical exercise
• Ensure adequate sleep
• Consider counseling or therapy if stress is a significant issue

By implementing these lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of TMJ-related ear pain episodes. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to managing TMJ disorders and their symptoms.

When to Seek Professional Help for TMJ Ear Pain

While many cases of TMJ-related ear pain can be managed with home remedies and lifestyle changes, there are instances where professional medical intervention is necessary. Recognizing when to seek help is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of long-term complications.

When should you consult a healthcare professional for TMJ ear pain?

• If pain persists for more than a few weeks despite home treatments
• If you experience severe pain that interferes with daily activities
• If you have difficulty opening or closing your jaw
• If you hear clicking or popping sounds when moving your jaw
• If you experience frequent headaches or migraines alongside TMJ symptoms
• If you notice changes in your bite or the way your teeth fit together

What types of professionals can help with TMJ ear pain?

• Dentists specializing in TMJ disorders
• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
• Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists
• Physical therapists with experience in TMJ treatment
• Pain management specialists

These healthcare professionals can provide a range of treatments, from custom-fitted mouth guards and physical therapy to more advanced interventions like corticosteroid injections or, in rare cases, surgery. They can also rule out other potential causes of ear pain, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.

Diagnostic Procedures

What diagnostic procedures might a healthcare professional use to assess TMJ ear pain?

• Physical examination of the jaw and surrounding areas
• X-rays to evaluate the jaw joint and teeth alignment
• CT scans or MRIs for a more detailed view of the jaw joint
• TMJ arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose joint problems

Remember, early intervention can often prevent the progression of TMJ disorders and associated ear pain. If you’re unsure about the severity of your symptoms, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare professional.

The Future of TMJ Ear Pain Treatment: Emerging Therapies and Research

As our understanding of TMJ disorders continues to evolve, so do the treatment options available. Researchers and medical professionals are constantly exploring new therapies and techniques to provide more effective relief for TMJ-related ear pain.

Regenerative Medicine

How might regenerative medicine impact TMJ treatment? This emerging field focuses on harnessing the body’s natural healing processes to repair damaged tissues. For TMJ disorders, this could potentially include:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to promote healing in the joint
• Stem cell therapy to regenerate damaged cartilage
• Growth factor treatments to stimulate tissue repair

While these treatments are still in various stages of research and clinical trials, they hold promise for providing long-term relief from TMJ symptoms, including ear pain.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

How are improvements in imaging technology benefiting TMJ patients? New and refined imaging techniques are allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. These include:

• High-resolution 3D imaging for precise visualization of the jaw joint
• Dynamic MRI scans to observe jaw movement in real-time
• Ultrasound imaging for non-invasive assessment of soft tissues

These advanced imaging methods can help healthcare providers tailor treatments more effectively to each individual’s specific TMJ issues.

Neuromuscular Approaches

What role does neuromuscular dentistry play in TMJ treatment? This specialized field focuses on the relationship between jaw alignment, muscle function, and overall oral health. Emerging therapies in this area include:

• Computerized jaw tracking to analyze jaw movements
• Electromyography to assess muscle function
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief and muscle relaxation

These approaches aim to address the underlying causes of TMJ disorders, potentially providing more comprehensive and lasting relief from ear pain and other symptoms.

Personalized Medicine

How is personalized medicine shaping the future of TMJ treatment? As we gain a deeper understanding of the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to TMJ disorders, treatments are becoming increasingly tailored to individual patients. This may involve:

• Genetic testing to identify risk factors for TMJ disorders
• Personalized treatment plans based on individual biomarkers
• Targeted therapies that address specific underlying causes of TMJ issues

While many of these approaches are still in development, they represent the cutting edge of TMJ research and hold great promise for improving outcomes for those suffering from TMJ-related ear pain.

As research continues to advance, individuals experiencing TMJ ear pain can look forward to an expanding array of treatment options. However, it’s important to remember that even with these emerging therapies, a holistic approach that includes lifestyle modifications, self-care techniques, and professional guidance remains crucial for managing TMJ disorders effectively.

How to Get Rid of Ear Pain From TMJ

Who Knew TMJ Could Be Such a Pain in the EAR?!

If you are a woman, you are 9 times more likely to experience TMJ pain than a man. One common symptom of TMJ disorder is ear pain and difficulty opening your jaw.

Do you want to learn more about TMJ pain and how to get rid of ear pain from TMJ? Keep reading to learn more about your facial muscles and the tips that will help you restore normal jaw movements without experiencing ear pain. 

Over the counter medications:

One of the easiest things you can do to relieve ear pain from TMJ is to take over-the-counter medication for inflammation. This is a great option because you most likely already have the medicine to help, so you don’t need to get a prescription. 

If you have pain in your ear canal, taking medication like ibuprofen or aspirin can help reduce swelling and ease your pain. 

Self exercises:

When you have ear pain from TMJ, one of the best things you can do to treat this pain is look at the root cause. If you address your TMJ pain, it will likely relieve the pain in your ears as well! Here are a few self exercises you can do on your own to help relieve your TMJ pain. 

First, you can try tucking your chin to your chest to improve your mobility. Simply pull your chin down, essentially creating a double chin, and hold your chin down. Then you can relax and repeat this exercise as necessary. 

Another great exercise you can try is opening and closing your mouth with resistance. Put your thumb under your chin with good pressure. Then, open and close your mouth slowly and work against this pressure. 

These movements can help relieve your pain and prevent ear pain from developing or worsening. 

Massages:

Many people don’t consider when learning how to treat ear pain from TMJ is setting an appointment with a licensed massage therapist. Generally, this pain comes from inflammation, tension, and more. 

Visiting a medical massage therapist can help you relieve this pain and reduce inflammation. In fact, getting a massage can also promote healing in your damaged muscles and relieve any tightness and tension. 

Getting a massage from a licensed massage therapist can also increase your blood circulation. When you have increased blood flow, it reduces your pain and helps you relax. A massage will also help you drain fluid from your ears and will keep it from getting worse. 

While some types of massages you can perform on yourself to help ease pain from TMJ, it is always best to visit a licensed massage therapist. They know the best techniques and can help you find immediate relief!

Additional Resource:

Do you want to know the best ways to treat TMJ? Read: How to Treat TMJ/TMD.

Sucking:

If you are experiencing a lot of pressure in your ears from TMJ pain, something that may help you is sucking on different foods. This can help you relieve pressure and can ease your ear pain. 

Using a straw with your drinks can help. Otherwise, you can suck on hard candy, cough drops, or anything else you have on hand!

Heat and cold:

Using both heating pads and cold packs is a great way to reduce inflammation. If your jaw joint is inflamed, this inflammation can spread up your jaw and up to your ear. Alternating heat and cold can help reduce pain and stop the inflammation from spreading. 

First, use an electric heating pad or some hot pack and leave it on your jaw and ear for about 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Make sure it isn’t too hot, so it does not burn you!

After using heat for 10 to 20 minutes, you can use an icepack in the same area for another 10 to 20 minutes. Whether you have an ear infection or ear pain from TMJ, you will find significant pain relief by alternating these packs several times a day!

Avoid overusing your jaw:

Finally, the best way to get rid of ear pain from TMJ pain is to avoid overusing your jaw. Using your jaw joint too much can cause more pain and inflammation to spread to your ear canal. 

Some things that can lead to a sore jaw joint or TMJ pain are clenching your jaw, grinding your teeth, and even chewing gum! When you open and close your mouth too much, it can lead to your jaw locking up and causing pain when you eat.  

To avoid overusing your jaw, you can try eating soft foods that don’t require too much chewing, avoiding gum and other chewy foods, and you can even do stretches and relaxation exercises to help your jaw relax. 

Learning how to treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorder can help you prevent ear pain from TMJ!

Featured on Virginia This Morning:

Jana Powell recently sat down with Jessica Noll from Virginia This Morning to talk about TMD.

Schedule Your First Appointment Today!

Get Rid of Ear Pain With a TMJ Massage!

When you are experiencing ear pain from TMJ, it can significantly impact your daily life. Whether you go to an ENT specialist, also known as an ear nose and throat specialist, you can significantly reduce and prevent ear pain from TMJ if you follow these tips. 

Do you want to learn how to get rid of ear pain from TMJ? Finding a licensed massage therapist can also help! At Attune Massage Therapy, Jana can help you alleviate TMJ and TMD symptoms with physical therapy, education, and more.   

Contact our TMJ Specialist in Richmond, Virginia today to learn more about our medical massage therapy services.

For more information about Pediatric TMJ Massages, please visit: Pediatric TMJ.

This article should be used for educational purposes only (not advice, diagnosis, or treatment).

Now Offering: Virtual Couples Massage Workshops

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In this customized, interactive 90-minute workshop, Jana will demonstrate and teach a few professional massage techniques that will not only help to save hands, but will also provide you & your partner a therapeutic-based massage. Contraindications and Endangerment Sites will be taught. This workshop can be done in person or virtually. The work Jana teaches is done on the floor with pillows, so it can be performed anywhere. All participants will be clothed the entire time (gym attire is appropriate). You will also receive a PDF document that will contain all instructions and reminders so you can focus on being 100% present in the workshop. An intake form will be sent out after purchase of the workshop and must be completed and returned at least 72 hours prior to your workshop so Jana can help you and your partner get the most out of the course.

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9 Best TMJ Exercises for Pain Relief

TMJ pain may go away on its own. But specific exercises and other doctor-recommended practices, such as wearing a mouth guard, may help fix the issue sooner.

You may not think about your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) much, but you use them often. The joints connect your jawbone to your skull. Your TMJ springs into action each time you talk, chew, and swallow.

Temporomandibular disorders occur when something affects your jaw joints and jaw muscles. Often, this happens because of a jaw injury, inflammation such as with arthritis, or overuse.

TMJ disorders may cause mild to debilitating symptoms, such as:

• pain while chewing
• pain in the ear, face, jaw, and neck
• clicking, grating, or popping sounds in the jaw when you open or close your mouth
• locking of the jaw joint
• headaches

TMJ exercises may relieve pain by:

• strengthening and stretching jaw muscles
• relaxing jaw tension
• increasing TMJ mobility

Doctors may manually manipulate your jaw to stretch and strengthen muscles as part of physical therapy. However, certain home exercises may help relieve TMJ pain and improve the movement of your jaw joints.

Relaxed jaw exercise

• Rest your tongue gently on the roof of your mouth behind your upper front teeth.
• Allow your teeth to come apart while relaxing your jaw muscles.
• Open your mouth to a comfortable size and repeat.

You may experience popping or cracking sounds when opening your mouth fully.

Goldfish exercises (partial opening)

• Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
• Place one finger in front of your ear where your TMJ is located.
• Put your middle or pointer finger on your chin.
• Drop your lower jaw halfway and then close it. There should be mild resistance but not pain.

A variation of this exercise is to place one finger on each TMJ as you drop your lower jaw halfway and close again.

Goldfish exercises (full opening)

• Press your tongue on the roof of your mouth
• Place one finger on your TMJ and another finger on your chin.
• Relax the jaw and open your mouth while keeping your tongue in place.
• Open your mouth fully, close, and repeat.

For a variation of this exercise, place one finger on each TMJ as you completely drop your lower jaw and back. Do this exercise six times to complete one set. You should complete one set six times daily.

Chin tucks

• Sit or stand with your shoulders back and chest up.
• Pull your chin straight back and down toward the chest, creating a “double chin.”
• Hold for three seconds and repeat 10 times.

This exercise can stretch the TMJ without opening the mouth, so it can be useful for those with discomfort during jaw movements.

Resisted opening of the mouth

• Place your thumb under your chin.
• Open your mouth slowly, pushing gently against your chin for resistance.
• Hold for three to six seconds, and then close your mouth slowly.
• Repeat 10 times.

Adding resistance to stretching exercises can help increase muscle strength.

Resisted closing of the mouth

• Squeeze your chin with your index and thumb with one hand.
• Close your mouth as you place gentle pressure on your chin.
• Repeat 10 times.

This will help strengthen the muscles that help you chew.

Side-to-side jaw movement

• Put a ¼ inch object, such as a stacked tongue depressor, between your front teeth
• Slowly move your jaw from side to side.
• Hold for 2–3 seconds at the end of each movement.
• Repeat 10 times on each side.

As the exercise becomes easier, increase the object’s thickness between your teeth by stacking them one on top of each other.

Forward jaw movement

• Put a ¼ inch of object between your front teeth.
• Move your bottom jaw forward so your bottom teeth are in front of your top teeth.
• Hold for 2–3 seconds on each side of the movement.
• Repeat 10 times.

As the exercise becomes easier, increase the object’s thickness between your teeth.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen may help relieve TMJ pain. Muscle relaxers may be prescribed for severe pain. Doctors may also recommend:

• mouth guards to prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching
• mouth guards to help realign your jaw
• warm or cold compresses
• stress-relief techniques to help prevent behaviors that cause jaw tension

TMJ pain may also be managed with simple lifestyle changes. You may wish to:

• avoid clenching your teeth
• eat a soft diet to allow the TMJ to relax
• avoid chewing gum
• avoid biting your nails
• avoid biting your lower lip
• practice good posture
• limit large jaw movements, such as yawning and singing

Severe pain from damaged joints may require more invasive treatments, such as corticosteroid injections into the TMJ. Surgery is a last resort option in many cases but may be the only applicable treatment in cases of tumors and joint fusion.

In some cases, TMJ disorders go away on their own. If your symptoms persist, TMJ exercises may help bring pain relief.

When doing TMJ exercises, start slowly. You may feel some pain at first, but it should be tolerable and gradually improve. If the pain isn’t tolerable, consult your doctor. You should do TMJ exercises when you’re relaxed.

If your pain worsens after doing TMJ exercises, visit your doctor.

Jaw Pain In-Ear Device

Helps relieve symptoms of bruxism and other joint disorders.

An alternative treatment for pain and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located between the jaw and the skull, is the innovative Cerezen device. This small hearing aid-like device fits inside the ear and can be used day or night.

Dr. Luis Javier Arias Gallo, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Ruber Juan Bravo Hospital Complex, comments that “painful dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint is a common reason for visiting an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon”.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is an unconscious clenching of the jaw that causes grinding of the teeth: this symptom most often occurs at night. On this occasion, the surgeon notes that “there are patients in whom the disease manifests itself only during the day, there are patients suffering from nocturnal bruxism, and in some patients the painful manifestations do not stop at all.” That is why it is almost impossible to control bruxism on your own.

Doctors cite neurological and psychological problems as well as stress problems as the cause of this disease – and it is stress that most often provokes this disorder. According to the specialist, “psychological assistance is very important in the treatment of pain on the face and neck, but the problem must be considered from all sides.”

Consequences of teeth grinding

In addition to pain in the lower jaw, bruxism causes other problems:

• Erasure of tooth enamel;
• Headaches or migraines due to overexertion of the temporalis muscle located on both sides of the skull;
• Deterioration of dental ligaments;
• Discomfort of masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint, as well as decreased mobility.

Cerezen device for the treatment of diseases of the jaw

Dr. Arias Gallo describes this device as “a small device that fits into the ear canals”. Curiously, the Cerezen device appeared almost by accident. One woman suffering from hearing loss and chronic jaw pain placed an incorrectly sized hearing aid in her ear, which caused her jaw to open slightly. The woman noticed that this helped her not grind her teeth, thereby avoiding pressure in her ear – so it was discovered that the device had an additional use.

Features of this device:

• Ceresen therapy is a non-invasive treatment that does not require surgery;
• The instrument is thick enough to apply slight pressure when the mouth is closed;
• The device has a compact size for easy use during the day as well as during sleep.

According to surgeon Arias Gallo, “When clenching the teeth, the patient will notice a slight pressure in the ear canal, so he will prefer to keep the teeth as minimally closed as possible. ” And most importantly, the patient will maintain the correct position of the jaw without thinking about it.

Advantages of the Ceresen method:

• The device is approved for night and day use, although it is necessary to evaluate each specific case of bruxism separately. This method of therapy has a very important advantage over traditional treatment with a relief tray, which is usually used only at night;
• The device is in the ear, making it invisible to others.

Mouthguard for the treatment of bruxism

Mouthguard is the most common treatment for bruxism in craniofacial dysfunctions. The doctor adds that “this treatment has been used for years and has proven effective.” But, unfortunately, there are certain cases where the use of a mouth guard is not appropriate:

• Patients who remove their mouth guard while sleeping;
• Patients who do not stop clenching their jaw even with a mouth guard;
• Patients who cannot use a mouth guard because it is an aesthetic problem for them.

Masticatory muscle relaxation can be taught!

Biofeedback, or biofeedback, demonstrates to patients how they use their muscles to chew. The surgeon explains that “during an electromyography session, the patient sees the electrical activity of the masticatory muscles on the screen, and learns to relax them.” The doctor also adds that “this is an expensive and still experimental treatment, which ultimately depends on whether the patient learns to keep these muscles relaxed throughout the day.”

Treatment of TMJ (joint dysfunction)

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Treatment terms from 1 month

TMJ dysfunction is a fairly common pathology today, since it is largely caused by stress factors. Here it can be difficult to understand what is primary, what is secondary, because people with joint dysfunction come, as a rule, with bite pathology, pathology of the musculoskeletal system (curvature of the spine, neck). Therefore, joint treatment is a complex story. It happens that the primary pathology is the pathology of the joint, it happens that the musculoskeletal system.

Causes of TMJ dysfunction

The orthodontist must find out what was primary – bite, misalignment of teeth or missing teeth, perhaps not very successful orthodontic treatment in history, early treatment when they were children or adolescents and subsequent treatment could be the cause. It is important to correctly diagnose.

Comprehensive treatment of the TMJ

When the doctor has determined the cause of the joint pathology, or causes, he determines the patient’s readiness for a comprehensive treatment plan. In addition to the orthodontist, an osteopath or a chiropractor, or even an orthopedist, can be involved if a more complex correction of the musculoskeletal system is needed.

The patient must be aware that it is possible to align the jaw with a splint or splint, but not solve the problem of malocclusion. Orthodontic treatment is required to correct the bite. If you have already had orthodontic treatment before, then it is more difficult to decide on a second treatment.

Therefore, the problem with the joint is first solved by means of a splint or joint splint, then the bite is corrected, and, if necessary, prosthetics. In parallel, work is underway with an osteopath to restore the muscular corset of the back and neck.

It happens that a patient refuses treatment with braces after resolving a problem with a joint. In this case, we warn him about the need to wear an articular splint constantly in order to avoid the appearance of old problems with the TMJ. After all, a relapse can happen against a background of stress quite quickly.

What are the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction?

• Soreness or pain in one or both TMJs at rest or when opening the mouth.

• Crackling, clicking, crepitus and other noises in the area of ​​one or both TMJs when opening the mouth.

• History of TMJ injuries (previously), incl. dislocation, subluxation, chronic subluxation.

• Restrictions in the mobility of the TMJ, restriction in opening the mouth.

• Excessive masticatory muscle tone, bruxism (“grinding” of teeth during sleep, at rest).

• Asymmetry of chin, lips, frenulum of lips, asymmetry of mouth opening, S-shaped opening.

• Suspicion of the presence of a forced position of the lower jaw.>

The presence of one or more of the above symptoms may indicate TMJ dysfunction.

Conventional orthodontic treatment does not address TMJ dysfunction. In the process of orthodontic treatment, the severity of dysfunction may not change, decrease or increase. At the moment, in the world scientific orthodontic literature there is no convincing data on the relationship between orthodontic treatment and the state of the TMJ. Deterioration of the joint after treatment may not be related to this treatment.

Please note! Even in the absence of visible clinical manifestations of joint dysfunction, there may be hidden disorders that require special diagnostics to identify them.

If there is a forced incorrect position of the lower jaw, its position may change during treatment with a change and complication of the treatment plan (the need to extract individual teeth, an increase in the duration of treatment). A reliably forced position cannot be diagnosed by traditional orthodontic methods; to check its presence, as a rule, a special analysis is required (manual functional analysis, determination of the central ratio of the jaws), the use of a special articular splint for a period of several months, which, however, does not give a 100% guarantee.

For detailed joint diagnostics, clarification of the specifics of your case, further production of the joint splint, you can make an appointment with a dentist-orthodontist who deals with the issue of TMJ dysfunction.

TMJ dysfunction is a chronic condition that can be managed but not cured (i.e. it is possible to eliminate the symptoms, however, the pathological changes in the joints, if they have already occurred, are likely to persist).

What happens if TMJ dysfunction is not treated?

If the dysfunction is not treated, the body’s compensatory capabilities may be exhausted sooner or later, the symptoms will worsen, the pathology will begin to progress, causing more discomfort (sometimes for several years), thereby affecting the deterioration of the function of the dentition.

In order to try to prevent this and treat the individual temporomandibular joint structure and function, patients are usually offered the following approach.

Structure of the TMJ

Method of treatment of TMJ dysfunction

1. Diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction.

• During the diagnosis of the joint in the clinic, a number of measurements and tests are carried out, all sensations in the joint area are recorded (discomfort, clicks, pain, jaw deviation when opening and closing), the difference in sensations in the right and left joints.

• The orthodontist also takes casts of the jaws and takes photographs of the face and intraoral photographs, as well as a three-dimensional computed tomography of the face (3D CT), if necessary, the doctor can give a referral for an additional study – magnetic resonance imaging of the TMJ (MRI).

• Often, an orthodontist, in addition to manual functional analysis, conducts a visual assessment: posture, symmetry of the shoulder girdle, shoulder blades, hip bone structures, etc., performs the necessary tests, photographs. According to the results, it is possible to appoint an appointment for a consultation with an osteopath or a chiropractor for joint management of the patient. Allied specialists (orthopedist, surgeon, periodontist) can also be involved in the preparation of the treatment plan.

What exercises are prescribed to patients to normalize the work and relax the masticatory muscles?

Exercise No. 1

Draw a vertical line on the mirror with a marker, stand opposite, so that the line divides the face into right and left halves, place your fingers on the area of ​​​​the articular heads, lift your tongue up and back, open and close your mouth along the line (it may not work right away), 2-3 times / day, 30 repetitions enii. You do not need to open your mouth wide (comfortable width), the main thing is symmetrically (so that the jaw does not “move out” in any direction). If there is a click, open until it clicks.

Exercise No. 2 (cycle)

Do it whenever possible, for example, in front of the TV, at the computer, in a traffic jam while driving. Open – close your mouth without closing your teeth for 30 seconds, then reach your tongue alternately to the right, then to the left cheeks for 30 seconds. Open again – close your mouth, then for 30 seconds move your tongue in a circle inside the vestibule (behind the lips), first in one direction, then in the other direction (clockwise – counterclockwise), open again – close your mouth, etc. During this half-hour cycle, the teeth should not touch, the lips should be closed. If you want to close your mouth or take a sip, put your tongue between your teeth. Repeat the cycle for 20-30 minutes 2-3 times/day

2. Occlusal therapy for TMJ dysfunction

After the diagnosis, the patient is booked to the orthodontist for an appointment to determine the central ratio of the jaws (“true” position of the lower jaw, the position in which your joint and masticatory muscles will be most comfortable).

In order to more precisely establish and fix this position, an occlusal splint (splint) will be individually made for the patient from a special plastic that is erased as it is worn. The tire must be worn constantly (sleep, talk, eat in it if possible) – this is the meaning of occlusive therapy, which will help the joint and masticatory muscles to reorganize into the most comfortable functional state.

Cleaning and caring for the tire is very simple – after eating (as well as while brushing your teeth) clean with a soft brush with toothpaste or soap.

3. Installation of a bracket system for a patient with TMJ dysfunction

Installation of a bracket system on the upper jaw is carried out after an average of 3 months of occlusive therapy. The splint is adjusted once every 1-2 weeks, or at the discretion of the doctor, until the main complaints from the TMJ are eliminated (in parallel with the alignment of the teeth in the upper jaw), then the bracket system is installed on the lower jaw with partial reduction (grinding) of the interfering parts of the occlusal splint, or complete removal. Here the patient needs to be patient – the process can take several months.

At the same time, the new position of the lower jaw is monitored: repeated manual functional analysis, photometry, bite registration is possible, computed tomography of the face during treatment, continuation of orthodontic treatment on a bracket system.

Upon completion of orthodontic treatment, the final control of the position of the lower jaw follows (manual functional analysis, photometry, bite registration, 3D CT of the face upon completion (after) treatment).

Splint

Joint splint with braces

TMJ dysfunction treatment result

The treatment result is a satisfactory aesthetic result, full occlusion with multiple even fissure-tubercular contacts and elimination or reduction of TMJ dysfunction. Mandatory, if indicated, is a full-fledged rational prosthetics or functional and aesthetic restoration of teeth, as the final stage of treatment – at this stage, a detailed consultation of an orthopedic dentist is necessary.

Treatment and diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction at the Confidence Clinic

Orthodontists with education in the field of maxillofacial surgery work at the Confidence Clinic. They own modern diagnostic methods, and the clinic is equipped with modern diagnostic equipment. The treatment uses an integrated approach, including the recommendation of exercises, wearing an articular splint, and installing braces. For the full restoration of the health of the joint and oral cavity, depending on the case, implantologists, orthopedists, and periodontists are involved.