Dentist and Skin Care Blog from Boston's Area Leading Dental Office

Millions of Americans suffer from TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)—a condition of the jaw joint that leads to mild discomfort or severe pain. The temporomandibular joint is found in front of the ear where the jaws (upper and lower) come together. When this joint is clenched, overused, arthritic or traumatized, patients may develop jaw spasms, severe headaches and other symptoms. If the following common TMJ symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to visit your family dentist.

• Tooth pain: The most obvious TMJ symptom, tooth pain occurs when the upper and lower jaws are forcibly pressed together by clenching of the jaw joint. When teeth are constantly touching, they can wear down. That’s why it’s important to resolve TMJ before it causes damaging wear to healthy teeth.
• Facial pain: This type of pain may also be made worse by exposure to cold air or water—which causes the jaw muscles to contract suddenly. 
• Ear pain: Nearly half of TMJ patients complain of shooting ear pain. This pain may mimic an ear infection, and your primary care doctor may even prescribe antibiotics before discovering the TMJ disorder.
• Clicking or crunching noises: As the jaw bone and its surrounding, inflamed soft tissue rub together, patients hear audible sounds—ranging from clicking to grinding—as they chew or yawn.
• Ear fullness and dizziness: One third of TMJ patients present with “plugged” or full ears. If your ears are full due to TMJ, you may believe you have allergies or sinus pressure. This symptom is generally caused by spasms in the muscles surrounding the Eustachian tubes—which help regulate middle ear pressure and balance. In severe cases, these Eustachian tube problems may lead to dizziness or lightheadedness.  

In addition to these frequently mentioned symptoms, TMJ can lead to a host of less-common problems. They include: blurred vision, watery eyes, light sensitivity, migraines, limited jaw opening, bite problems, hearing changes, sore throat, neck pain, speech problems and upper extremity tingling.

At Smile and Skin, we believe that dental conditions like TMJ shouldn’t disrupt your sleep or productivity levels. That’s why we work with you to find a TMJ treatment that suits your lifestyle and immediately reduces your jaw pain. Dr. Meola and his family dental team may recommend anti-inflammatories (aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen) or alternating heat and ice for mild cases of TMJ. As chewing becomes more painful and the teeth are worn down, however, you may require a more comprehensive solution to your jaw disorder.

Using dental x-rays and CT scans, we can diagnose the severity of your TMJ—and recommend stronger muscle relaxants, biofeedback therapy, physical therapy exercises and even arthroscopic surgery. In many cases, the Smile and Skin staff will make a mold of your teeth and create a simple-to use plastic appliance that you can wear, day or night. These TMJ appliances prevent clenching and train your jaw to relax.      

You don’t need to live with TMJ symptoms anymore. Call the family and cosmetic dentists at Smile and Skin to schedule your TMJ consultation and discover treatment options that are proven to work—and improve your quality of life.