Can TMJ disorder go away on its own?

Mild TMD symptoms often improve on their own within a few weeks with self-care measures like soft foods, heat application, and avoiding wide jaw movements. Persistent symptoms may require professional treatment.

Is TMJ disorder serious?

While TMD is not life-threatening, chronic cases can significantly impact quality of life through persistent pain, difficulty eating, and headaches. Early treatment prevents symptom progression.

What foods should you avoid with TMJ?

Avoid hard, chewy, or crunchy foods that strain the jaw, such as nuts, hard candy, chewy bread, and raw vegetables. Soft foods and cutting food into small pieces can reduce jaw stress.

MusculoskeletalICD-10: M26.60Affects approximately 10 million Americans

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Also known as: TMJ, TMD, TMJ dysfunction

Temporomandibular joint disorder encompasses a group of conditions affecting the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement. Symptoms include jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking or locking of the joint. TMD is often multifactorial and can be managed with conservative treatments, though severe cases may require more advanced interventions.

Symptoms

Pain or tenderness in the jaw

Aching pain around the ear

Difficulty or discomfort while chewing

Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth

Locking of the jaw joint making it difficult to open or close the mouth

Facial pain

Headaches

Neck and shoulder pain

Causes

Disc erosion or misalignment within the joint
Arthritis affecting the temporomandibular joint
Jaw injury or trauma
Chronic teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
Connective tissue diseases

Risk Factors

Chronic teeth grinding or clenching
Certain types of arthritis such as rheumatoid or osteoarthritis
Jaw injury
Female sex, particularly during reproductive years
High stress levels

Diagnosis

Physical examination of jaw movement, range of motion, and pain
Dental X-rays to assess teeth and jaw alignment
MRI to evaluate the disc and soft tissues of the joint
CT scan for detailed bone structure assessment

Treatment

Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications
Oral splints or mouth guards to reduce clenching
Physical therapy including jaw exercises and stretches
Stress management and relaxation techniques
Corticosteroid injections into the joint
Arthroscopy or open joint surgery for severe cases

Prevention

Avoiding excessive jaw clenching or gum chewing
Stress reduction techniques
Wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth
Maintaining good posture to reduce jaw strain

When to See a Doctor

Persistent jaw pain or tenderness
Inability to fully open or close the mouth
Clicking accompanied by pain or limited movement
Jaw pain that interferes with eating or speaking

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Osteoarthritis

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Tension Headache

Neurological

Fibromyalgia

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