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What is TMJ Disorder?

T-M-J stands for Temporomandibular Joint and is located where the skull and lower jaw meets, directly in front of your ear.  These joints on your left and right side allow you to talk and chew.

TMJ disorders are a combination of complex problems that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joints on one or both sides, and the muscles surrounding that control jaw movement. These disorders may also be referred to as craniomandibular dysfunction, craniofacial disorders, myofascial pain dysfunction, and degenerative joint disorders.

 

Symptoms

When the jaw joints and adjoining muscles do not work together as a system, a variety of symptoms occur, which include:

  • Pain or stiffness in jaw joint, especially while chewing
  • Noises like popping, clicking, or grating in the jaw joint
  • Unexplained chronic headaches, facial pain, dull pain
  • Grinding or clenching teeth
  • Unexplained dizzy spells
  • Earaches or ringing in the ears
  • Neck, shoulder, or back pain
  • Difficulty opening or closing mouth
  • Jaw locking
  • Unstable bite or bite that feels “off”

 

What Is the Relationship Between TMJ and Sleep Disorders?

TMJ problems and sleep disorders have a relationship. One can cause the other, and vice versa. This is because when your jaw is misaligned, it can lead to a blocked airway, especially when you sleep. The exact opposite is also true. If you have breathing difficulties such as a constricted or an obstructed airway, it can impact how you breath, and in children, can affect the way the jaw forms, leading to bite issues in adulthood.

 

The Connection Between Your Tongue and TMJ

The tongue is one of strongest and most flexible muscles in the body, serving a multitude of functions beyond just taste. It plays key roles in activities such as chewing, speaking, swallowing, singing, and kissing. One of its less recognized functions is providing a cushion-like support for the upper jaw. In a normal mouth, the tongue lies on the tissue directly behind the upper teeth to support your jaw and your upper dental arch.

If you have a narrow mouth or an excessive overbite, your tongue can be forced too far back in your mouth, stopping it from doing its job properly, and getting in the way of your breathing.

 

Childhood Breathing Issues Can Result in TMJ Disorder

When a child cannot properly breathe through their nose, they are forced to breathe through their mouth. Mouth breathing causes a child’s tongue to drop away from the roof of the mouth to allow air to pass into the lungs.

With the tongue in this position, it no longer supports the child’s dental arch. As the child grows, this dental arch support is critical. Without it, the jaw may not develop as it should, leading to a constricted dental arch and TJM issues later in life.

At Impact Sleep Dentistry, Dr. Melika Kashkouli takes a comprehensive approach to dental care. Beyond general dentistry, she understands the relationship between dental health, tongue position and swallow function, joint health, muscle function, occlusion, breathing, posture and many other factors which can lead to many systemic issues.