Is TMJ a lifelong condition? Can TMJ be permanently cured?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) functions similarly to a sliding hinge, linking your jawbone to your skull, with one joint positioned on each side of your jaw. The TMJ disorder can significantly influence one’s life quality as TMJ pain can be an extremely discomforting experience. TMJ disorders are more common in women than men, particularly those between the ages of 20 and 40. So how do you know if you have TMJ disorder? What are the causes of TMJ dysfunction? Is TMJ a lifelong condition or is there any TMJ treatment that can cure it permanently? We will discuss all these questions in this article.

How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?

TMJ symptoms can be quite complex and varied among different individuals, which sometimes makes diagnosis, especially self-diagnosis challenging. We will list some of the key symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, but we do recommend you seek the help of a healthcare professional, typically a dentist to conduct a physical examination and other necessary tests.

Jaw Pain or Tenderness: One of the most common symptoms is persistent pain in the jaw area.
Clicking or Popping Sounds: Hearing these sounds when opening or closing your mouth can indicate TMJ, especially if accompanied by pain or limited jaw movement.
Difficulty Chewing or Pain While Chewing: If it feels uncomfortable or painful to chew food, or if you experience uneven jaw movements, it might be a sign of TMJ.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): It involves clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth, usually unconsciously and often during sleep.
Locking of the Jaw: This occurs when the jaw suddenly becomes difficult to open or close completely.
Ear or Facial Pain: You might feel pain that radiates around or in the ear, arching or discomfort that spreads over the face might also be TMJ pain.

What are the causes of TMJ disorder?

TMJ causes again, can be very complicated as they are often multiple factors that may interact with each other. Some causes can also be the symptoms, such as teeth grinding, tongue tie, incorrect body or teeth postures etc, which makes the situation even more complicated. The major causes of TMJ disorder include:

Physical Stress to the Jaw: Direct injury to the jaw, the joint, or the muscles of the head and neck, or the habit of bruxism can put excessive pressure on the joint and muscle tissues, leading to TMJ.
Tongue Tie: A tongue tie can potentially contribute to the development of TMJ as it could alter oral mechanism, increase muscle tension, influence chewing and eating habits and lead to misalignment of the jaw.
Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may inherit a jaw structure that is more prone to developing TMJ disorders.
Poor Posture: Poor body and teeth alignment, particularly in the neck and upper back can lead to muscle imbalances which indirectly affect the TMJ through connected muscle and fascia tissues.
Airway Obstruction: Airway obstructions can contribute to TMJ disorders primarily by altering how the jaw is positioned and may lead to a mouth-open posture for easier breathing.
Hormonal Changes: There is evidence to suggest that hormonal changes, particularly in women, might play a role in the sensitivity and functioning of the TMJ.

Is TMJ a lifelong condition?

TMJ disorders can vary widely in their course and may not necessarily be a lifelong condition for everyone. The duration and severity of TMJ disorders depend on a variety of factors, including the underlying cause, the effectiveness and timeliness of the treatment, and the individual's overall health and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of how TMJ disorder can progress:

Temporary Condition

For some individuals, TMJ symptoms might be temporary and resolve on their own or with minimal intervention. This is particularly common when the symptoms are due to temporary stressors, minor injuries, or habits such as bruxism that can be modified.

Intermittent Condition

TMJ disorders can also be episodic, with periods of flare-ups followed by times of remission. Stress, dietary habits, or other health conditions might trigger these episodes.

Chronic Condition

In other cases, TMJ can become a chronic issue, especially if it is related to more persistent factors such as anatomical abnormalities, severe trauma, or systemic diseases like arthritis. Chronic TMJ disorders may require ongoing management and can fluctuate in intensity over time.

However, if temporary TMJ is left untreated, the TMJ symptoms may worsen and could lead to long-term, chronic discomfort and functional limitations. Therefore, to avoid TMJ becoming a lifelong condition, it is important to get diagnosed and treated on time.

Can we treat TMJ permanently?

The possibility of permanently curing TMJ disorders varies greatly depending on the underlying cause, the severity of the condition, and the specific treatments applied. This is why it is important to seek help from a n expert in the field. Our dentist Dr Chong has over 25 year of clinical experience and TMJ disorder is one of the main areas she is focusing on. We will introduce some potential treatment approaches to cure TMJ.

Behavioural Modifications: Changing habits that stress the TMJ, such as teeth grinding, nail-biting, or extensive gum chewing, can effectively eliminate symptoms if these are the primary causes.
Physical Therapy: Therapeutic exercises and treatments can strengthen and relax jaw muscles, potentially restoring normal function and alleviating symptoms permanently.
Myofunctional Therapy: It can be a valuable component in managing and potentially alleviating symptoms of TMJ. Myofunctional therapy can help correct tongue position, improve breathing patterns and strengthen oral muscles.
Dental Interventions: The use of dental splints or corrective orthodontic procedures can realign the bite and relieve pressure on the TMJ, offering long-term relief.
Medications: While medications like pain relievers and muscle relaxants can manage symptoms, they do not cure TMJ disorders but are useful in comprehensive treatment plans.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgical interventions might be considered as a last resort. Surgery can sometimes permanently resolve structural problems in the TMJ, though it comes with risks and requires careful consideration and specialist consultation.

Have TMJ disorder and TMJ pain? Call (02) 9558 8988 or email info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au to make appointment with us to get cured by our TMJ expert, Dr Lisa Chong.