Experts warn: Do not chew gum if you hear a sound coming from your jaw! If your mouth does not open as much as it used to, it may be due to jaw joint disorders! Locking of the jaw when the mouth is opened is also a symptom of jaw joint disorder.
Experts point out situations such as clicking sounds when the jaw is moved, difficulty in opening the mouth completely, jaw locking and pain when the mouth is opened, and say that these factors are symptoms of jaw joint disorders.
What needs to be done to alleviate complaints caused by jaw joint disorders? Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists explained:
Eat soft foods, use ice to reduce swelling, reduce jaw movements, avoid chewing gum and hard foods (such as beef jerky), take measures to reduce stress, and use jaw stretching exercises to help improve jaw movement. Typically, Botox injections are given for painful trigger points or chronic teeth grinding.
It causes pain in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement
If your mouth does not open as much as it used to, it may be due to jaw joint disease. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge that connects the jawbone to the skull. Jaw joint disorders can cause pain in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.
Symptoms of jaw joint disorders
Locking of the jaw when the mouth is opened is a symptom.
Pain around the jaw, ear and temple, clicking noises when the jaw is moved, headache around the temples, difficulty in opening the mouth completely, locking of the jaw when the mouth is opened, pain that may be worse when chewing and when feeling stressed.
Arthritis and joint erosion also cause
Jaw joint disorders also prevent a good nights sleep[1]. In most cases, it is not known what causes jaw joint disorders. Jaw or joint trauma may play a role. There are other health conditions that can contribute to the development of jaw joint disorders. These; arthritis, erosion of the joint, habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth, structural jaw problems present at birth, and growth disorders.
Precautions: Avoid chewing gum and hard foods!
To alleviate or completely avoid your complaints caused by jaw joint disorders, you can do the following:
- Eat soft foods
- Use ice to reduce swelling
- Reduce jaw movements
- Avoid chewing gum and hard foods (like beef jerky)
- Take measures to reduce stress
- Practice jaw stretching exercises to help improve jaw movement
Botox injections are given for painful trigger points or chronic teeth grinding
If symptoms do not ease, your doctor may decide that the condition requires serious treatment. Botox injections are one of these treatments[2]. Typically, these injections are given for painful trigger points or chronic teeth grinding [3]. In very rare cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat your condition. Procedures may include; corrective dental treatment to improve your bite and align your teeth, arthrocentesis, which removes fluid and debris from the joint, surgery to replace the joint[4].
What happens if jaw joint disorder is left untreated?
Jaw joint disorders are not life-threatening. However, if left untreated; it can cause quite permanent discomfort and tension in and around the jaw.
Additionally, it is also possible for the affected joints to become inflamed and even damage your teeth. If your condition is caused by a chronic (long-term) disease such as arthritis, in this case you should consult your doctor. Over time, arthritis can wear down the joint and increase pain. You don’t have to deal with jaw joint pain and discomfort alone. Talk to your doctor or dentist about your symptoms.
References:
- Sanders AE, Essick GK, Fillingim R, Knott C, Ohrbach R, Greenspan JD, Diatchenko L, Maixner W, Dubner R, Bair E, Miller VE, Slade GD. Sleep apnea symptoms and risk of temporomandibular disorder: OPPERA cohort. J Dent Res. 2013 Jul;92(7 Suppl):70S-7S. doi: 10.1177/0022034513488140. Epub 2013 May 20. PMID: 23690360; PMCID: PMC3706181.
- Ataran R, Bahramian A, Jamali Z, Pishahang V, Sadeghi Barzegani H, Sarbakhsh P, Yazdani J. The Role of Botulinum Toxin A in Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Review. J Dent (Shiraz). 2017 Sep;18(3):157-164. PMID: 29034269; PMCID: PMC5634354.
- Blanco-Rueda JA, López-Valverde A, Márquez-Vera A, Méndez-Sánchez R, López-García E, López-Valverde N. Preliminary Findings of the Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in Temporomandibular Disorders: Uncontrolled Pilot Study. Life (Basel). 2023 Jan 28;13(2):345. doi: 10.3390/life13020345. PMID: 36836702; PMCID: PMC9966495.
- American Academy of Facial Esthetics Trained Physicians, Dentists and Nurse BOTOX® Treatment for Jaw Tension and TMJ.