As we enter our 30s, I expected to hear complaints about bad backs and tricky knees, but what surprised me was the jaw pain. Some friends have been grinding their teeth at night and need mouthguards, while others have received botulinum toxin injections to ease jaw pain. We’ve all become familiar with a new body part: the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull.
TMJ is commonly used to refer to jaw pain, but the correct medical term is “temporomandibular disorder” (TMD). TMD encompasses various issues related to the jaw bones and muscles, affecting around 10%-15% of adults. The majority of cases do not require treatment, and TMD can often resolve on its own or remain asymptomatic.
Symptoms of TMD vary, including clicking sounds in the jaw, facial pain, tooth damage from grinding, limited jaw movement, and other related issues like headaches or ear pain. Women tend to experience TMD more than men, possibly due to estrogen, stress responses, and different biting habits.
TMD can result from physical trauma (such as a blow to the jaw), genetic factors, jaw alignment issues, or lifestyle habits like chewing gum or eating chewy foods. It can also overlap with chronic pain conditions like migraines, fibromyalgia, and chronic back pain. Emotional stress is another major contributor, leading to jaw tension and teeth grinding, which worsens pain.
Treatment for TMD usually starts small. For people who grind their teeth at night, dentists often recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect the teeth. Self-help methods, like jaw relaxation exercises, improving sleep habits, and avoiding foods that exacerbate pain, are also effective. In some cases, cognitive behavioral therapy or other stress-relief techniques may help. If TMD is caused by excessive clenching, doctors may suggest botulinum toxin injections to relax the jaw muscles, reducing clenching and pain.
In rare cases, if all conservative treatments fail and jaw pain severely affects quality of life, surgery may be required. Generally speaking, if your jaw occasionally clicks without pain, there’s no need to worry. About a third of people experience clicking in the jaw, and it’s typically harmless.
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor or dentist. But if your jaw only clicks occasionally and isn’t painful, there’s usually no cause for concern.
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