Transformative Treatments for TMJ Disorders

Let’s find out more about the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull, some of the disorders that can occur within this joint, and temporomandibular joint treatment options.

What’s the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint, known commonly as the TMJ, is a hinge-like joint that connects the lower jaw or mandible to the temporal bone of the skull. The joint sits on each side of your head just in front of your ear. 

The temporomandibular joints are extremely flexible and perform quite complex motions on a daily basis. You use the TMJ every time you speak, eat, swallow or make facial expressions. The TMJ allows the jaw to move smoothly up and down and side to side, enabling you to talk, chew and yawn. The muscles that are attached to and surround the jaw joint, control the position of the jaw and also its movements. The two main muscles we use for chewing are called the masseter and the temporalis muscles. The TMJ and surrounding muscles are hard-working and therefore can encounter problems, and require temporomandibular joint treatment.

About the masseter muscle

The two masseter muscles, on either side of your face, are a major player in the human process of chewing or mastication. It’s actually one of the strongest muscles in the body — it elevates the mandible and allows the jaw to close. The masseter muscle is crucial in helping us break down our food, assisting our digestive processes and supporting our overall oral health and wellbeing.

About the temporalis muscle

The temporalis muscle — located in the temporal area on either side of the head — is a broad, fan-shaped muscle that helps the chewing process by elevating and retracting the jaw or mandible. The radial-like structure fans out from the temporal bone to the jaw, contributing to facial expressions and jaw movements, which are essential for effective mastication and speech articulation.

What can go wrong with the TMJ?

It’s fairly common to have jaw joint issues, and about 5-12% of adults suffer from some type of TMJ dysfunction and may require temporomandibular joint treatment. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) refer to a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, as well as the muscles involved in jaw movement. Temporomandibular disorders are complex and often poorly understood conditions, characterised by pain and dysfunction as a result of problems with the jaw, the joints, and the surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and jaw movements. If you suffer from these disorders, you may need teeth grinding treatment from a TMJ dentist.

TMD can occur when there are:

• Issues with your facial muscles around the TMJ
• Problems with your jaw joint
• A combination of muscle and joint issues.

These disorders can cause pain, discomfort, and dysfunction in the jaw and surrounding areas.

Common TMD symptoms include:

• Jaw pain and/or stiff jaw muscles
• Difficulty chewing
• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
• Limited jaw movement and mouth opening
• Significant face and/or neck pain
• Toothache and/or teeth sensitivity
• Chips, cracks you don’t recall getting from an injury
• A worn-down appearance on some of your teeth
• Ringing in your ears and/or ear pain.

Did you know? TMD encompasses issues such as arthritis in the TMJ, muscle tension, and dislocation of the jaw. Effective management of TMD may involve a combination of specific oral self-care, bruxism treatment, physical therapy, and sometimes dental interventions with an experienced TMJ dentist.

Escaping the Grind: Understanding Bruxism or Teeth Grinding — a Type of TMD

Bruxism is the involuntary or habitual grinding and/or clenching of your teeth, usually during sleep but sometimes during waking hours also. The word ‘bruxism’ is derived from the Greek term ‘brychein’, which basically means to gnash one’s teeth. Bruxism generally causes symptoms such as headaches, jaw pain, increased tooth sensitivity as well as worn tooth enamel, and teeth grinding treatment can help alleviate these ailments.

Five common causes of teeth grinding or bruxism:

1. Stress: Emotional stress or anxiety can lead to tense muscles and therefore cause habitual teeth grinding.
2. Sleep Disorders: Sometimes conditions such as sleep apnoea can contribute to nightly teeth grinding.
3. Misaligned Teeth: Malocclusion or irregular teeth alignment may cause bruxism.
4. Your Lifestyle: Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of teeth grinding.
5. Medication: Certain medications, particularly some antidepressants, can have some oral health side effects that may include bruxism.

How do I know I grind my teeth in my sleep?

On awakening in the morning, do you have a dull headache or perhaps a sore, clicky jaw? These may be signs you’re clenching and/or grinding your teeth overnight. To spot teeth grinding or bruxism, look out for teeth that look worn down, have increased tooth sensitivity or perhaps even a chip or crack. If you have a partner, ask them if they can hear any grinding noises through the night — that might be a good clue! If you suspect you might be a teeth grinder, get in touch with our friendly team at The Dental Spa Bondi for a consultation and some possible solutions.

Bruxism Treatment: How We Treat Various TMJ disorders

At The Dental Spa Bondi, our caring team specialises in diagnosing Bruxism treatment, with excellent teeth grinding treatment options as well as other Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), offering personalised care from a TMJ dentist utilising advanced techniques to help you find relief.

Our approach is tailored to each individual, recognising that stress, sleep disorders, misaligned teeth, lifestyle choices, and even certain medications can contribute to bruxism. We believe in not just treating the symptoms, but addressing the root causes to prevent future discomfort. With a focus on your unique needs, our professional team uses state-of-the-art technology to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may include stress management strategies, night guards, or dental adjustments.

Teeth Grinding Treatment options may include:

• Pain/relaxation/anti-inflammatory medication
• Oral appliances called splints
• Massage/manipulation of the TMJ and associated muscles
• Orthodontic treatment
• Botox injections into the muscles of mastication to relax them
• TMJ surgery.

Did you know? Occlusal splints are a fantastic option to help stop that teeth grinding noise and also protect you against tooth wear while you sleep. The splints are simple devices, designed specifically for your teeth and jaw, and cover the mandibular dental arch. READ MORE HERE

If those niggling TMD symptoms have been preventing you from living your best life, then visit us at The Dental Spa Bondi. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you achieve your optimum oral health and daily comfort. Book a consultation today to assess whether you might be suffering from TMD symptoms and begin your journey to a pain-free future. Call (02) 9389 8578.