12% of Americans Are Affected By TMJ Pain

​Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is a pain in the jaw joint.   Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD) is associated with symptoms such as:

1. Headaches
2. Pain or tenderness in the jaw
3. Aching pain in and around your ears
4. Experience difficulty or pain while chewing
5. Popping or clicking noises
6. Locking of the jaw, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
   
   

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ pain please give us a call or schedule an appointment online so the Fiedler Dentistry team can help.

Causes of TMJD

Although the cause isn't always clear, certain factors may increase the risk of developing a TMJ disorder (TMD), such as:

• Certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
• Jaw injury
• Grinding or clenching of teeth, known as Bruxism
• Stress
• Certain connective tissue diseases that cause problems that may affect the temporomandibular joint
  
  

As TMJD can lead to more serious health conditions, it is important to identify and treat the syndrome. Regarding Dentistry invites a conversation at your next appointment as well as a TMJD evaluation to assess how to best address your concerns and treat your condition.
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The good news is, no matter the cause of the pain, exercise along with small lifestyle changes can often help release muscle tension and relieve pain.

TMJ Exercises

There are 3 methods that can improve TMJ Syndrome:

1. Resistance Training
2. Flexibility Exercises
3. Relaxation Techniques

Resistance Training

​Resistance training is designed to improve the muscular strength around the temporomandibular joint by exercising the ligaments against external resistance.

Strength Training*

• Resisted mouth opening: Place your thumb or two fingers under your chin and open your mouth slowly, pushing up lightly on your chin with your thumb. Hold for three to six seconds. Close your mouth slowly.
• Resisted mouth closing: Place your thumbs under your chin and your two index fingers on the ridge between your mouth and the bottom of your chin. Push down lightly on your chin as you close your mouth.​

Flexibility Exercises

Flexibility exercises are designed to stretch jaw muscles to reduce muscle and joint tension and increase jaw mobility.

Mobility Exercises*

• Tongue up: Slowly open and close your mouth while keeping the tongue touching the roof of the mouth.
• Side-to-side jaw movement: Place an object about one fourth of an inch thick (for example, two tongue depressors) between your front teeth. Slowly move your jaw from side to side. Increase the thickness of the object as the exercise becomes easier.
• Forward jaw movement: Place an object about one fourth of an inch thick between your front teeth and move the bottom jaw forward so that the bottom teeth are in front of the top teeth. Increase the thickness of the object as the exercise becomes easier.

Relaxation Techniques

Stress Relief Techniques**

1. Deep Breathing: Slowly inhale, allowing your stomach rather than your chest to expand. Exhale slowly while making your exhalation last about as long as your inhalation. Repeat 5-10 times.
2. Muscle Control: While sitting or lying in a comfortably supported position, tense and release tension from each muscle in your body. Begin with the feet and work upwards to the head.

Lifestyle Changes

TMJ pain may also be reduced with simple lifestyle changes***

• Eat softer foods and avoid symptom causing foods
• Minimize extreme jaw movements such as yawning, yelling or singing
• Avoid freshening your breath with gum,  select xylitol mints instead
• Manage pain with heat or ice packs
• Maintain good posture
• Select a pillow which supports spinal alignment when asleep
• Regularly wear your occlusal guard

 ​* Exercises were provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians
** Relaxation Techniques were provided by Medical News Today
*** Lifestyle modifications provided by American Dental Association (ADA)