TMJ and Neuromuscular Dentistry in Hillsborough NJ

TMJ dysfunction (TMJ) occurs when something goes wrong with the jaw joints and muscles, causing pain, stiffness, and limited movement of the jaw. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint that connects the lower jaw, or mandible, to the skull and allows you to speak, eat, and talk. TMJ is actually ubiquitous, and according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, approximately 10 million Americans are believed to suffer from it. It is not always known what causes TMJ dysfunction, but in most cases, it can be treated at home using simple remedies such as eating soft, non-chewy foods, icing the affected joint, reducing stress, and doing jaw-stretching exercises to help improve movement.

Absolutely! Dentists are often one of the first to recognize and diagnose TMJ due to their specialized training in the anatomy of the jaw and associated problems. They are traditionally the ‘go-to’ healthcare professionals, being well-equipped, highly trained, and knowledgeable in all things relating to the muscles and bones of the head, neck, and jaw.

A TMJ flare-up is when symptoms consistent with TMJ suddenly intensify and can last for days or weeks. The most common symptoms associated with a TMJ flare-up are facial pain, migraines, and stiffness in the jaw.

Flare-ups can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• The misalignment of teeth
• Missing a dose of medication- Medications should always be taken as prescribed to prevent flare-ups.
• Foods that are difficult to chew as they are harder on the joints.
• Acidic foods- These have been shown to increase the likelihood of painful flare-ups and the severity of pain experienced. Individuals who experience TMJ flare-ups should try to limit the number of acidic foods in their diet.
• Caffeine- Drinks high in caffeine can cause flare-ups as it is a stimulant and can increase the likelihood of teeth grinding.
• Stress- Clenching the jaw and teeth grinding at night can lead to TMJ flare-ups.

Although TMJ is not a life-threatening condition, it is unlikely to go away on its own and, if left untreated, can cause significant tension and discomfort. Some of the long-term effects of untreated TMJ are:

• Chronic Jaw Pain
• Joint damage and inflammation
• Recurring headaches
• Development of an airway sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea
• A reduced quality of life

If you have questions or concerns regarding TMJ, contact Designs for Dental Health today! We offer a wide variety of dental services, including orthodontic and cosmetic services and the specialized treatment of conditions such as TMJ dysfunction and obstructive sleep apnea. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 425 Amwell Road Suite 104 Hillsborough, NJ 08844. We serve patients from Hillsborough NJ, Franklin Township NJ, Green Knoll Bridgewater NJ, Bound Brook NJ, North Brunswick Township NJ, Edison NJ, and surrounding areas.