OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19     Learn More
close
close
For a better experience on crest.com, please enable JavaScript in your browser.
  • PART OF THE P&G FAMILY:
  • Oral B
  • dentalcare.com
  • P&G Good Everyday
USA - English
Please select a location
  • Canada - English
  • Canada - French
  • USA United - English English
Login   Register
LOG OUT CONFIRMATION
Would you like to logout now? LOG OUT
Contact Us
Crest
Search
  • TOOTHPASTE
  • WHITESTRIPS
  • MOUTHWASH
  • KIDS
  • LEARN
      • Why crest
      • Why Crest
      • Crest Toothpaste
      • Crest Whitestrips
      • Crest Mouthwash
      • Stannous Fluoride Protection
      • Oral Hygiene
      • Crest Recycling
      • FAQ
      • Crest Mouthwash Usage Guidelines
      • Conditions
      • Conditions
      • Bad Breath
      • Cavities & Tooth Decay
      • Gum Health
      • Plaque & Tartar
      • Teeth Sensitivity
      • Teeth Stains
      • Tooth Enamel
      • Toothache
      • Wisdom Teeth
      • Life Stages
      • Life Stages
      • Kids
      • Braces
      • Adults
      • Infants
      • Pregnancy
    • VIEW ALL ORAL CARE TOPICS
  • REWARDS
  • SHOP
    • View All Products
  • Toothpaste
    • View All Toothpaste Products
  • Mouthwash
      View All Mouthwash Products
  • Whitestrips
  • Sensitivity
    • View All Sensitivity Products
  • Kids
    • View All Kids Products
  • By Need
  • By Collection
  • Home >
  • HOME  > LEARN  > CONDITIONS  >
    GUM HEALTH
    GUM HEALTH
    >
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction Symptoms and Treatments
Print This

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction Symptoms and Treatments

Recommended 0 times Recommend This

Email Thisemail

SHARE THIS BY EMAIL

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction Symptoms and Treatments

THERE ARE (#) ERRORS ON THIS PAGE.
   
   
   
   
SEND
CANCEL

EMAIL SENT SUCCESSFULLY

Your email has been successfully sent to the recipient.

Continue

What is TMJ?
Causes of TMJ Dysfunction
Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
Diagnosis of TMJ Dysfunction
Treatments for TMJ Dysfunction

What is TMJ?

A type of temporomandibular disorder or TMD, TMJ dysfunction can cause pain in the joints of your jaw as well as in the muscles that control jaw function. The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull, where you have a joint on each side of your jaw.

Causes of TMJ Dysfunction

Often hard to determine, the exact cause of TMJ disorders can be due to a combination of factors. Genetics, arthritis, and jaw injury are all possible culprits along with clenching and grinding your teeth.

The areas that interact within your jaw to ensure movement are covered by cartilage and separated by shock-absorbing disks. If you’re experiencing pain in any of your temporomandibular joints it may come down to these underlying causes:

  • Disk erosion or displacement
  • Cartilage damage due to arthritis
  • Joint damage from a blow or other injury

Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

There are several signs to look out for if you’re worried you may have a TMJ disorder:

  • Pain or tenderness in your jaw
  • Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
  • Aches either in or around your ear
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Discomfort while chewing
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Facial pains
  • Clicking sound when you open your mouth
  • Grating sensation when eating

If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your dental professional right away.

Diagnosis of TMJ Dysfunction

Your doctor or dentist will perform a physical examine to better diagnose a TMJ disorder. During the exam, your healthcare professional will probably listen to and feel your jaw when you open your mouth, press on areas to identify specific sites of pain, and study the motion in your jaw.

Treatments for TMJ Dysfunction

In the event where symptoms persist or become too uncomfortable, your dental or medical professional may suggest several treatments at once:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories such as Advil or Motrin, prescription tricyclic antidepressants for pain relief, or muscle relaxants if nothing else has helped
  • Mouth guards or oral splints to help stop teeth grinding and jaw clenching and jaw clenching
  • Physical therapy with a focus on strengthening/stretching your jaw muscles
  • Education and counseling to help you better understand which behaviors to avoid (such as jaw clenching, chewing on fingernails, or leaning on your chin)

In more severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary. Be sure to discuss the benefits and risks of surgery with your healthcare professional and know your options.

 

Related Products

  • Crest Complete Whitening Plus Scope Outlast Toothpaste
    QUICK VIEW

    Crest Complete Whitening Plus Scope Outlast Toothpaste

    Revolutionary technology provides a cool, fresh breath feeling that last up to 7x longer vs. ordinary toothpaste.

    rating stars
    RatingStars on
    ( 1796 )
    $3.49-$6.99 MSRP
  • Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse
    QUICK VIEW

    Crest Scope Advanced Mouthwash

    Advance your way to stronger enamel and a healthy mouth.

    rating stars
    RatingStars on
    ( 50 )
  • CONNECT WITH US
  • Visit Crest on Facebook
  • Follow Crest on Twitter
  • Visit Crest's YouTube Channel
SIGN UP
SAVE ON HEALTHY SMILES Sign up to get the emails with savings on Crest Toothpaste, oral hygiene products, expert advice and more reasons for a healthy smile.

SHOP

  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Whitestrips
  • Kids
  • Our Ambition
  • Sustainability
  • Ingredients

Help & Support

  • Contact Us
  • RELATED SITES
  • P&G Brands
  • OralB.com

Dental Professional?

  • Visit dentalcare.com
  • bbb logo
  • SmartlabelIcon For ingredients and more, select a product.
    • Better Business Bureau
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy
  • CA Privacy
  • Careers
  • AdChoices Ad Choices
  • Site Map
  • © 2021 Procter & Gamble
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information