BChD(Pret), DipOdont(Oral Surgery)(Pret), MChD(ChirMax-Fac-Dent)(Pret) FCMFOS(SA) and MRSSAf
Your jaw does a lot, chewing, talking, yawning, even smiling. When something goes wrong with the joint that makes all this possible, it’s called temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. Most people just say “TMJ” (after the joint itself), but TMD is the condition. If your jaw clicks, hurts, or feels stuck, you might have it.
Why Does It Happen?
No single cause, but a few usual suspects:
- Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night.
- An injury – like a hit to the face or whiplash.
- Arthritis wearing down the joint.
- Bad habits – chewing gum all day, biting nails, resting your chin on your hand.
- Stress that makes you tighten your jaw without noticing.
It’s more common in women in their 20s to 40s, though anyone can get it.
How It Feels
You might notice:
- Pain in your jaw, face, or in front of your ears.
- A pop or click when you open wide.
- Trouble chewing tough foods.
- Your jaw locking open or shut.
- Headaches or ear pain (even if your ears are fine).
Symptoms can flare up and fade away. They might last days or months.
What Helps
Good news: most people get better without surgery.
Start simple:
- Eat soft foods
- Skip the gum and ice cubes.
- Put ice or a warm cloth on the sore spot for 10–15 minutes.
- Relax your jaw, keep teeth apart when you’re not eating.
- Stretch gently, open slowly, hold, close. No forcing.
If that’s not enough:
- Your dentist can make a night guard to stop grinding.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers.
- A physiotherapist can teach jaw exercises.
- In some cases, a doctor might suggest scripted medication or, very rarely, surgery.
Surgery is a last resort
Used in fewer than 5% of cases. It’s only considered after everything else has failed for at least 6–12 months and imaging shows clear joint damage (like a torn disk or bone spurs).
Options include:
- Arthrocentesis: A quick procedure with needles to flush out inflammation.
- Arthroscopy: Tiny camera and tools through small cuts to clean or repair the joint, less invasive than open surgery.
- Open-joint surgery: Rarely needed; replaces or reshapes the joint if it’s severely worn.
When to Get Checked
See a Dentist or Maxillo Facial & Oral Surgeon if:
- Pain keeps you from eating or sleeping.
- Your jaw locks more than once.
TMD can be annoying, but it usually calms down with small changes and a little patience. Take it easy on your jaw, and it will thank you.
