Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. Place your index finger just below your ear on either side of your head. Open and close your mouth and you’ll feel the joint at work. TMJ disorders cause a wide variety of symptoms in many people. How many? According to the Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, as many as 25 to 30% of the Canadian population experiences pain or dysfunction in their jaw and facial muscles due to TMJ dysfunction.
While the causes of TMJ dysfunction remain a topic of investigation and symptoms vary from person to person, the staff at a dental clinic in Cranbrook are familiar with related symptoms and treatment. We’ll explain some of the common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction below and talk a little bit about one essential aspect of daily living that can play a big part in your experience of TMJ issues — what you eat.
Common symptoms of TMJ disorder
The most common symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders include:
- A painful and tender jaw
- Pain in or near your TMJ join
- Aching in and in the area near your ear(s)
- Problems chewing or pain while you chew
- Problems opening or closing your mouth fully, or a “lock jaw” sensation
- Aching in your facial muscles generally.
Some people also experience tinnitus (ringing in their ears, reduced hearing and a sensation of “fullness” in their ears.)
Think about what you’re eating
While there are several different forms of TMJ dysfunction and no two people’s experience is precisely the same, they all involve one thing in common — the inflammation of the temporomandibular joint. While there are many causes for that inflammation (including things like trauma and arthritic processes), food allergies may also play a role. If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ dysfunction that aren’t easily explained, you should investigate whether food allergies may be involved. Some allergens that have been associated with TMJ inflammation and disorders include:
- Wheat
- Soy
- Peanuts
- Eggs
- Milk
On the other hand, increasing your consumption of foods that have natural anti-inflammatory properties and that contribute to joint health generally may help. Examples of foods, vitamins and minerals to try to eat more of include fish, whole grains, dark and leafy greens and foods that contain significant amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, magnesium and selenium.
TMD treatment in Cranbrook that a dentist can provide include things like providing a custom night guard to correct the positioning and contact between your teeth and changing the biting surfaces of your teeth to manipulate the tension and pressure imposed on your jaw. If such relatively simple treatments are ineffective, your dental clinic in Cranbrook will refer you to medical and surgical options for TMJ treatment near you. In many cases, though, those minor dental adjustments can reduce or eliminate all symptoms, especially when combined with lifestyle changes relating to how and what you eat. If you suffer from TMJ dysfunction symptoms, try to avoid the following:
- Foods that you have noticed particularly aggravate your jaw and TMJ
- Gum. Frequently and constantly chewing gum can contribute to chronic jaw pain. Try reducing how often and how long you chew gum to give your TMJ a break
- Foods that contribute to inflammation such as processed foods, corn oil, salt, refined carbohydrates, sugars and also consuming tobacco and alcohol
- High impact foods that place a lot of demands on your jaw. Particular things to avoid include nuts, hard breads, candy and chewy foods such as bagels and steak.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, speak to the staff at a dental clinic near you about how they can help you and you can help yourself.