How Do You Treat TMJ Disorder?

Dental Care Burke • January 4, 2023

Struggling with a weird pain in your jaw? If so, you're not alone. Though many people never seek a diagnosis, experts estimate that millions of U.S. adults experience recurring jaw pain.

This jaw pain, known as TMJ disorder, can cause ongoing discomfort and tightness on the sides of your face. Because the source of the pain isn't always obvious, many patients suffer through the worst of their pain with little or no help.

However, knowing the basics of TMJ disorder and its treatment can go a long way toward relieving your pain. Whether or not you choose to get help from a dentist, it's crucial to understand how and why this joint pain happens.

Here's what you should know about this common condition.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. These are two facial joints that sit right in front of your ears. They connect your skull and your jawbone.

As you might expect, TMJ disorder occurs when these joints don't function as they should. Many people use the term "TMJ" to refer to "TMJ disorder." You may also see the term "TMD," which is an abbreviation for temporomandibular joint disorder.

TMJ disorder often causes pain and tightness in the muscles around the jaw. You may also experience jaw stiffness or locking as well as a painful clicking or popping when you move your jaw. This disorder can last for a short time or it can become a chronic condition.

Address the Causes of TMJ Disorder

In some cases, the easiest way to treat TMJ disorders is to address the root cause.

While the cause of your TMJ disorder may not always be obvious, there are a few things that can make you more likely to experience this disorder:

You've had a recent injury or accident to the face
You often grind or clench your teeth
You have poor posture
You tend to eat hard or chewy foods
You're under a great deal of stress

It's also worth noting that you're more likely to experience TMJ disorder if you have certain associated medical conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Treating TMJ Disorder at Home

In some cases, you may be able to treat your TMJ disorder at home. This is easier if you can identify the most likely cause in the list above.

In general, the goal is to reshape your current habits in order to give your jaw a rest, which can sometimes be enough to ease or even stop your pain. Here are a few tips:

Change Your Eating Habits

The foods you eat can cause an unnecessary clenching of the muscles around your jaw. Foods that require you to use force when chewing are worth avoiding.

Try not to eat crunchy, hard, or chewy foods, and avoid taking large bites of food. Chewing gum, which leads to prolonged chewing, is a common aggravator of TMJ disorders.

Watch Your Mouth

Other habits can contribute to your TMJ-related pain as well.

Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth when possible, and don't bite your nails or chew your lips.

Wide yawns that open your mouth with force can put pressure on your TMJ. Sitting with your jaw in your hand can put a strain on your jaw as well.

Change Your Posture

Poor sitting or standing posture can offer poor spinal support. This, in turn, can resonate up to your TMJ. Make sure you're using an ergonomic desk setup and good standing posture anytime you're in one position for a long period.

Don't forget to also scrutinize your sleep posture. For a relaxed jaw, experts recommend sleeping on your back instead of your stomach. Don't support your head with your hand if you sleep on your side.

Try TMJ Exercises

If muscle stiffness is the culprit of your pain, stretching and strengthening the muscles around your TMJ may help. Try these simple exercises at home to help relax your jaw.

Professional TMJ Treatments

If you struggle to figure out how to treat TMJ on your own, it may be time to reach out to a professional. An expert can help you identify and address the cause of your pain faster than you could alone.

Dental TMJ Treatment

If your TMJ is related to teeth grinding, your dentist may be able to fit you with a custom mouthguard. Worn at night, this mouthguard can help you to stop clenching your teeth as you sleep.

In addition, a TMJ specialist can help you figure out the root cause of your pain. Using X-rays and electromyography, an expert can check the muscle activity around your TMJ and examine your bite.

This information can help them develop a customized treatment plan, which will often involve a bite correction. This can address any misalignments that have contributed to your chronic pain.

Physical Therapy

If the at-home exercises above aren't enough to help, physical therapy can sometimes be a great way to get relief. Customized exercises and treatments like ultrasound may help.

Counseling

Depending on the cause of your pain, certain types of counseling can help you understand the behaviors that contribute to your TMJ disorder.

For example, if stress is a major risk factor for you, causing jaw clenching that irritates your TMJ, seeking therapy may help. Behavior-based counseling can also help you identify and stop actions that cause pain, such as biting your fingernails.

Medical Procedures

As a last resort, surgery and other procedures may help with your TMJ pain.

Some patients have found success with corticosteroid or Botox injections into the joint. Others find pain relief through arthroscopic surgery.

If all other resources fail, talk to your dentist about further procedures.

Contact a Dentist

When it comes to TMJ disorder, you don't have to struggle on your own. Though many patients will be able to address their own pain by changing their habits, it's always a good idea to reach out to an expert if you're finding this condition too difficult and confusing to tackle alone.

When you're seeking a dentist with expertise in treating TMJ dysfunction, our team is here to help. After an in-depth exam and a one-on-one consultation, we'll come up with a custom treatment plan for your pain. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

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Dr. Bernard Lynch

D.M.D

Dr. Bernard Lynch, DMD, FAGD, LVIF is focused around giving his patients the best possible dental care towards the end of long-term, overall good oral health, beautiful smiles, all while maintaining patient comfort. Dr. Lynch routinely keeps up-to-date with most cutting-edge dental technology and advances so as to cultivate a feeling of safety and comfort when his patients sit in the dental chair. He is broadly recognized for the continuous attention to his patients feelings, and of their mind-sets while they are under his care.

Joshua Kibrom

Treatment Plan Coordinator

Joshua Kibrom grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota where he attended the University of Minnesota for Marketing and Business Management. Upon moving to Northern Virginia, he began providing services at Dental Care Burke as a Treatment Plan Coordinator. To fully understand the needs of the patients, he obtained certification as a dental assistant. His main objective is to help the patients achieve the necessary treatment and fully understand the financial aspects of the plan. Joshua will work with patients to ensure all of your questions are answered appropriately.

Michael Gebre

Registered Dental Assistant

Micheal Gebre graduated from Northern Virginia Community College with a major in biology. He later received his Dental Assistant II (DAII) degree from Germana Community College, under Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 2016. Michael works as Registered DAII, which is the new version of Dental Physician Assistant. He had over 10 years experience as a Dental Assistant before becoming a Registered DAII.

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Comprehensive Non-Surgical TMJ Treatment Options in Burke, Virginia

By Dental Care Burke • May 6, 2025

Did you know that, according to NIDCR, around 12 million Americans suffer from pain in their TMJ area? Many are affected by temporomandibular joint disorders. These conditions can cause persistent jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing, significantly impacting daily life. Fortunately, many individuals find relief through non-surgical methods. Today, we are exploring comprehensive non-surgical TMJ treatment options available in Burke, Virginia. Understanding TMJ Disorders Many people feel jaw pain or discomfort without knowing the real cause. One possible reason is a problem with the temporomandibular joint, often called TMJ disorder. This condition can create many daily challenges. There are three major areas to understand when it comes to TMJ disorders: What causes TMJ disorders Common symptoms to watch for How jaw pain can affect daily life What Causes TMJ Disorders TMJ disorders can develop from different factors. Stress is a major cause because it often makes people clench their jaws or grind their teeth without realizing it. TMJ disorders can also be caused by jaw injuries , arthritis , or problems with how teeth fit together. Some people have a natural imbalance in the jaw muscles or joints that can trigger pain and discomfort over time. Common Symptoms to Watch For Jaw pain is one of the most common signs of a TMJ disorder. Many people notice stiffness, trouble opening their mouths fully, or a clicking sound when they chew or talk. Some even experience headaches, earaches, or facial pain. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and come and go without warning. How Jaw Pain Can Affect Daily Life TMJ disorders can make simple tasks feel overwhelming. Eating, talking, yawning, and even smiling can cause discomfort. Over time, untreated jaw pain can affect sleep quality and emotional health. TMJ pain remedies often become necessary when the discomfort starts to interfere with normal activities. Finding the right support early can make a big difference in managing jaw pain relief before it becomes harder to control. TMJ Treatment Options Available in Burke, Virginia People living with TMJ pain often want fast answers about where to go and what treatments can help. The good news is that Burke, Virginia, offers many non-surgical paths to jaw pain relief. There are three main types of TMJ treatment options available locally: Customized dental TMJ solutions Natural TMJ relief therapies Supportive therapies offered by healthcare providers Customized Dental TMJ Solutions Many dentists in Burke specialize in non-surgical TMJ care. They can create custom night guards or splints that keep the jaw in a better position while you sleep. Some dentists offer bite adjustments that help correct how your teeth meet, which can relieve pressure on the jaw. These dental TMJ solutions are often the first step when seeking relief without surgery. Natural TMJ Relief Therapies Natural TMJ relief is another option people often try, alone or with professional care. Techniques like stretching exercises, cold or warm compresses, and relaxation practices can help lessen tension in the jaw . Many people also find that simple changes like adjusting posture or choosing softer foods can reduce discomfort over time. Supportive Therapies Offered by Healthcare Providers Some healthcare providers in Burke offer supportive treatments like physical therapy, acupuncture, or massage therapy. These therapies work by relaxing the muscles around the jaw and improving overall joint function. Finding the right combination of TMJ treatment options can make a real difference in how people feel each day. Professional Dental TMJ Solutions When jaw pain becomes part of daily life, working with a dentist can offer real help. Dental professionals have many ways to treat TMJ issues without surgery. There are three main types of professional dental TMJ solutions that patients often use: Custom night guards and splints Bite adjustments Dental treatments that support jaw health Custom Night Guards and Splints One of the most common dental TMJ solutions is a custom night guard or splint. These devices are made to fit your mouth and help keep the jaw in a better position during sleep. Night guards can protect teeth from grinding and reduce pressure on the joints. Many patients find regular use can lessen jaw pain and stiffness over time. Bite Adjustments for Better Alignment When teeth do not come together properly, the jaw can experience extra stress . Dentists often suggest small changes to the shape of teeth, called bite adjustments, to correct this. A better bite can relieve pressure on the jaw muscles and joints. Many people notice that their headaches and jaw tension improve once their bite is corrected. Dental Treatments That Support Jaw Health Sometimes, larger dental problems like missing teeth or uneven dental work can add to TMJ discomfort. Dentists might suggest crowns, bridges, or other treatments to restore balance in these cases. Helping the mouth function better as a whole can make a big difference. Professional dental TMJ solutions aim to relieve pain while improving how the teeth and jaw work together. Natural TMJ Relief Methods Gentle exercises are often used to help strengthen the jaw muscles and improve movement. These movements can stretch tight muscles and support joint function more smoothly. Some people find that practicing slow mouth opening and closing of the mouth or moving the jaw from side to side can reduce stiffness. It is important to move carefully and stop if pain increases. Applying heat or cold to the jaw can offer natural TMJ relief for many people. Heat helps relax muscles and increase blood flow to the area. Cold packs can reduce swelling and numb sharp pain. Many people find switching between the two methods helpful depending on how their jaw feels on a given day. Natural TMJ Relief Finding the right TMJ treatment options can make a real difference in daily comfort and long-term wellness. At Dental Care Burke, Dr. Bernard Lynch is committed to ongoing education to help patients feel safe, comfortable, and confident in their smiles for life. He believes in constantly advancing his knowledge of dentistry and stays active with leading organizations and peers in the field. He also takes a conservative approach before considering surgical interventions! Get in touch today to learn how we can help with your TMJ issues!

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques for TMJ Disorders at Our Burke, VA Practice

By Dental Care Burke • May 6, 2025

According to the NIH, TMJ disorders consist of more than 30 specific disorders related to pain in the jaw and surrounding muscles. These conditions can also cause headaches, earaches, and difficulty chewing, making daily life uncomfortable. If you have been experiencing these symptoms, you might wonder how doctors diagnose TMJ disorders. TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint, one of the most complex joints in the body. Today, we are taking a closer look at the advanced diagnostic techniques we use at our Burke, VA, practice to understand TMJ symptoms better and help patients find lasting relief. TMJ Disorders: Clinical Examination Techniques Before using advanced tools, a dentist must carefully check the patient's mouth, jaw, and face through a detailed clinical exam. This hands-on step helps guide the next parts of the diagnosis. There are three major parts of a good clinical exam for TMJ disorders : Palpation of the jaw muscles and joints Checking the jaw's range of motion Listening for sounds and checking for tenderness Palpation of the Jaw Muscles And Joints The first step often involves feeling the muscles and joints by hand. The dentist gently presses on different areas to locate the pain . It can show if the muscles are sore, if swelling is present, or if there are signs of inflammation. Careful palpation helps spot problems that might not be seen with imaging alone. Checking the Jaw's Range of Motion A healthy temporomandibular joint should move smoothly when opening and closing the mouth. During the exam, the dentist asks the patient to open wide, close, and shift their jaw from side to side. If movement is limited or uneven, it can point to joint damage or muscle tension . Watching how the jaw moves is important in creating the right dental care solutions. Listening for Sounds and Checking for Tenderness The dentist will listen carefully for clicks, pops, or grinding sounds during jaw movements. These sounds can mean the joint is not moving correctly. Tenderness around the face, neck, or shoulders is checked, too. Tight or painful areas can show how much the problem has spread and how it affects the whole facial system. These checks give valuable clues that help with facial pain management and jaw pain treatment. Advanced Imaging for Accurate Diagnosis While a good clinical exam provides essential information, imaging plays a major role in gaining a full view of TMJ disorders . Understanding what happens inside the temporomandibular joint helps build a clear treatment plan. Three main types of imaging are often used: Panoramic X-rays for basic views CT scans for detailed bone structure MRI scans for soft tissue and disc analysis Panoramic X-Rays Panoramic X-rays are often the first imaging step. In one image, they show a complete picture of the teeth, jaws, and joints. It helps spot large issues like bone damage, missing teeth, or growths that might affect the joint . While panoramic X-rays are helpful, they sometimes miss smaller problems inside the joint. CT Scans for Detailed Bone Structure When more detail is needed, a CT scan examines the bones around the temporomandibular joint in greater detail. This scan helps spot fractures, joint wear, and even tiny changes in bone shape. CT imaging is a powerful tool for dentists who are creating dental care solutions that require a deep view of the bone structure. MRI Scans for Soft Tissue and Disc Analysis MRI scans are often used to study the soft tissues inside the joint, including the cartilage disc that cushions movement. An MRI can show if the disc is out of place or if there is swelling inside the joint. This information is valuable when patients are seeking relief from TMJ symptoms through personalized treatment plans. Joint Function Tests and Measurements When patients experience TMJ disorders , it is important to examine the joint and study how it moves during daily use. Joint function tests and measurements provide valuable information that helps build a strong treatment plan. There are three common ways dentists measure joint function: Electromyography (EMG) to study muscle activity Jaw tracking devices to follow jaw movements Measuring jaw strength and flexibility during function Electromyography (EMG) To Study Muscle Activity Electromyography is a tool for measuring the function of the muscles around the temporomandibular joint . Small sensors are placed on the skin to detect muscle activity while the patient opens, closes, and moves the jaw. If the muscles are overactive, underactive, or out of balance, the results can guide jaw pain treatment that targets the real cause of discomfort. Jaw Tracking Devices to Follow Jaw Movements Jaw-tracking devices are another helpful way to measure function. These tools track how the jaw moves in real-time. They can show if the jaw opens unevenly, if there are sudden shifts, or if the joint does not follow a natural path. Problems in movement often connect to larger TMJ disorders that need focused care . Measuring Jaw Strength and Flexibility During Function Jaw strength and flexibility are key parts of a healthy temporomandibular joint. During testing, the patient may be asked to bite, stretch, or perform small movements while the dentist measures the results. During these tests, weakness, stiffness, or pain can point to damage or strain that needs attention. These measurements help dentists create better dental care solutions and offer real TMJ symptom relief to patients struggling with daily pain. Dental Care Solutions Finding the correct answers for TMJ disorders starts with careful, advanced diagnostic techniques. We can better understand each patient's needs by combining clinical exams, imaging, and joint function tests. At Dental Care Burke, Dr. Bernard Lynch, DMD, FAGD, LVIF is dedicated to helping patients achieve long-term oral health, confident smiles, and lasting comfort. He stays current with the latest dental technology to create a safe, welcoming experience for everyone who visits. Dr. Lynch is known for his genuine attention to patients' feelings, always prioritizing their comfort and peace of mind. Get in touch today to learn how we can help with your TMJ issues .