TMJ disorder, also known as temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), refers to pain or dysfunction in the area of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles. The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw to the skull and is responsible for basic movements such as chewing, speaking and swallowing. If this joint or the associated muscles are impaired, this can lead to considerable discomfort.

Typical temporomandibular joint complaints

‍Painin the temporomandibular joint:

Pain directly in the area of the temporomandibular joint, especially when opening or closing the mouth, chewing or speaking. Sometimes the pain also radiates to the neck, ears or head.

Jaw cracking or rubbing:

An audible cracking or rubbing in the temporomandibular joint when opening or closing the mouth is a common symptom. This sound can indicate a misalignment or problems with the joint disk (disc).

Jaw tension or blockages:

Those affected may have the feeling that their jaw is "tense" or "blocked", which makes it difficult to open and close their mouth.

Jaw pain when chewing:

Pain occurs particularly when chewing hard or tough foods, which may indicate overuse or inflammation of the temporomandibular joint.

Earache and tinnitus:

As the temporomandibular joint is located close to the ear, pain can often radiate into the ears. Some sufferers also report tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Headache:

Tension headaches, particularly in the temporal region, are often associated with temporomandibular joint problems. These are caused by tension in the jaw muscles or stress in the temporomandibular joint.

Dizziness:

In some cases, jaw problems can also lead to dizziness, as the organ of balance in the inner ear can be affected by the pressure of the jaw joint.

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Typical triggers or situations in which temporomandibular joint problems occur

Stress and tension:

Stress can cause those affected to unconsciously clench or grind their teeth (bruxism). This overloads the temporomandibular joint and the masticatory muscles and can lead to discomfort.

Teeth grinding (bruxism):

Teeth grinding, often during sleep, is a common trigger of TMJ pain. It causes excessive pressure on the temporomandibular joint and the muscles.

Misalignment of the teeth or jaw:

Misaligned teeth or misaligned jaws can lead to an uneven load on the temporomandibular joint. This leads to pain and functional disorders.

Excessive chewing:

Frequent chewing of gum or eating hard foods can overload the temporomandibular joint and lead to discomfort.

Dental treatment or operations:

Temporary temporomandibular joint pain can occur after dental procedures, especially after opening the mouth for a long time during treatment.

Injuries to the temporomandibular joint:

Traumatic impacts, such as blows to the jaw or falls, can damage the temporomandibular joint and lead to pain or dysfunction.

Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint:

Arthritic changes (e.g. osteoarthritis) can also affect the temporomandibular joint, leading to chronic pain and restricted movement.

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Effects of temporomandibular joint disorders on everyday life

Pain and discomfort:

Chronic pain affecting the jaw, head, neck and sometimes even the shoulders can have a significant impact on quality of life. Sufferers often experience pain when chewing, speaking or even at rest, which interferes with daily activities.

Eating habits:

TMJ disorder can make chewing painful, especially with hard or chewy foods. Many sufferers have to change their diet, preferring soft or pureed foods to avoid pain.

Communication:

Speaking can be uncomfortable or painful, especially during lengthy conversations. This can lead to people holding back or speaking less in a social context.

Sleep problems:

Teeth grinding or night-time clenching can lead to disturbed sleep. The pain can also get worse at night, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Occupational restrictions:

People who work in professions where there is a lot of talking (e.g. teachers, call center employees) or professions that cause high stress can be limited due to the discomfort. Chronic pain can also have a negative impact on concentration and work performance.

Mental stress:

Constant pain and restrictions in everyday life can lead to stress, irritability, anxiety or even depression. People who suffer from temporomandibular joint problems are often inhibited in social situations, which further impairs their quality of life.

Physical complaints:

Tension in the jaw area can also lead to headaches and neck pain. This tension sometimes spreads to other muscle groups, which reduces general physical well-being.

Changes in posture and movement:

In some cases, sufferers compensate for the pain by changing their posture, which can lead to additional discomfort in the back and neck area.

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How are temporomandibular joint problems treated?

TMJ problems are usually comprehensively diagnosed and treated by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMF). The first step is a detailed examination of the temporomandibular joint, the masticatory muscles and the teeth. Imaging procedures such as X-ray, MRI or CT can be used to identify the exact cause of the symptoms.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis and can include various approaches:

Conservative therapy: This includes physiotherapy, special exercises, bite splints to relieve pressure on the temporomandibular joint and medication such as painkillers or muscle relaxants.
Minimally invasive procedures: In cases of acute inflammation or fluid accumulation, a temporomandibular joint puncture or irrigation (arthrocentesis) can be performed to alleviate symptoms.
Surgical interventions: In severe cases where conservative methods do not help, surgical correction may be necessary. This can involve repairing or replacing structures in the joint.

The aim of the treatment is to relieve pain, improve the mobility of the jaw and restore functionality.

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Temporomandibular joint problems

Typical temporomandibular joint complaints

Typical triggers or situations in which temporomandibular joint problems occur

Effects of temporomandibular joint disorders on everyday life

How are temporomandibular joint problems treated?

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