TMJ Awareness Month: Speak Up About Your Jaw Pain

The month of November isn’t entirely about Thanksgiving—TMJ Awareness Month is also recognized, a time dedicated to educating patients about temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and encouraging those experiencing symptoms to seek TMJ treatment. If you’ve been living with jaw discomfort, headaches, or clicking sounds heard inside your jaw, there’s no better time than the present to take steps toward relief. Here’s what you need to know and what you can do.

What Exactly Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder, often abbreviated as TMD, refers to a group of conditions that can negatively affect the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. Because these joints are used constantly to help with biting, chewing, speaking, and moving your jaw in general, even small issues can create a surprising amount of discomfort.

However, not everyone immediately realizes their symptoms are connected to TMD. If you’ve noticed any of the following signs, you should speak with your dentist, as they may warrant TMJ treatment:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking, popping, or grinding noises are heard when moving your jaw
• Limited jaw movement or the sensation that your jaw becomes locked
• Frequent headaches or migraines, often in the morning
• Earaches or pressure near the ears

How Is TMJ Disorder Treated?

TMJ issues don’t usually resolve on their own, and without treatment, these conditions can lead to chronic pain, worsening bite problems, increased tooth wear, and overall reduced quality of life. But believe it or not, your dentist is one of the best professionals to help with TMD.

One common treatment solution involves the use of an occlusal splint, which is a custom-made oral device designed to reduce strain on the TMJ and protect the teeth from grinding or clenching. They help to relax jaw muscles, improve alignment, and even reduce inflammation.

Equilibration, also known as occlusal adjustment, is another go-to treatment option. This process involves carefully and gently reshaping certain areas of tooth enamel to ensure your bite is in perfect harmony.

TMJ Awareness Month might play second fiddle to Thanksgiving, but recognizing when your jaw pain is interfering with your life and getting the treatment you need can prevent long-term issues and ensure that every time you smile, eat, speak, or laugh, it’s pain-free.

About the Practice

Under the leadership of Dr. Marjun Ayati, Dr. Brenda J. Young, and Dr. Lana Masti, our team here at Fairfax Dental Group serves the needs of dental patients in Fairfax and the nearby communities. We offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry options, as well as specialty services like TMJ treatment for those dealing with chronic jaw pain. If you have any questions about the blog or it’s time to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please contact us online or by phone for more information. Telephone: (703) 560-6301.