Millions of people in Germany suffer from temporomandibular joint pain at least some of the time. And the number of people who have permanent pain in their temporomandibular joint is also very high. But what can trigger the pain and how can it be managed?
Hier erfahren Sie, welche Ursachen Kiefergelenkschmerzen haben können und welche Maßnahmen sofort und langfristig Linderung verschaffen.
The experts at the JUST KFO practice in Cologne are happy to help you combat your temporomandibular joint pain. There are various procedures available for this.
About the author
Dr. Julia Steinmaier
Specialist dentist for orthodontics
Owner of JUST KFO in Cologne, sought-after speaker and author who regularly appears in specialist publications and the media.
What can cause temporomandibular joint pain?
Pain in the temporomandibular joint can have various causes. Craniomandibular dysfunctionTMD) is quite common. This is a disease of the masticatory apparatus in which the interaction of joints, muscles and tendons is disturbed.
According to conservative estimates, one in ten adults has TMD and the corresponding symptoms. These include pain in the temporomandibular joints. The jaw may also only open to a limited extent and cause cracking and rubbing noises when opening and closing.
Other symptoms of TMD can include pain radiating to other parts of the head, shoulders, neck, back and cervical spine. Dizziness and tinnitus can also occur.
TMJ pain can also have dental causes. For example, there may be a problem with the wisdom teeth. If the teeth do not have enough space when they erupt or are inflamed, the jaw can also be affected.
An injury or accident can also cause pain in the temporomandibular joint - as can overloading the jaw. Stress is a common cause. The jaw muscles are constantly tense, which causes pain over a longer period of time.
Other possible causes of temporomandibular joint pain are sinusitis and neurological disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia.
In order to treat jaw pain effectively, it is essential to get to the bottom of it. Only when the causes of the pain are known can the appropriate measures be taken.
However, there are some methods you can use to relieve TMJ pain, at least for the time being.
What measures can I take immediately to combat the pain?
An often effective immediate measure against pain in the temporomandibular joint is to take painkillers. Medications such as ibuprofen, paracetamol and aspirin are available over the counter from pharmacies.
However, taking such medication should not be confused with the long-term treatment of temporomandibular joint pain. It is merely a matter of eliminating the pain in the short term.
Sometimes relaxation exercises can also help to combat temporomandibular joint pain. This loosens the muscles around your jaw joints. If the muscles are tense, heat (e.g. with a red light lamp) can also help in the short term.
It is also advisable to avoid chewing hard or tough foods. This measure also helps to relax the chewing muscles.
When should I see a doctor if I have jaw pain?
You should seek medical advice if you suddenly experience severe pain in the jaw area. It is also advisable to visit a doctor if you notice swelling or redness. The same applies if it is difficult or impossible to open your mouth.
If the pain is mild, it is not absolutely necessary to go to the dentist or orthodontist immediately. However, if the pain lasts longer than a week, an examination is advisable.
Most problems with the temporomandibular joints can be managed with the right therapy. However, it is important that the diagnosis is made at an early stage. This prevents complications and allows treatment to be carried out smoothly.
Wenden Sie sich gerne an die Praxis JUST KFO, wenn Sie unter Kiefergelenkschmerzen leiden. Mit einer professionellen Diagnostik stellen wir den Grund für die Schmerzen im Kiefer fest und entwickeln einen wirksamen Behandlungsplan.
You can make an appointment online via our website.
What long-term solutions are there for temporomandibular joint pain?
If the pain in the jaw does not subside, treatment is necessary to make it disappear permanently. The measures taken depend crucially on the cause. After a thorough examination by a dentist and/or orthodontist, it is usually clear what is causing the jaw joint pain.
In most cases, an occlusal splint is used to treat TMD. A fixed bite block is also possible to correct the disorder of the temporomandibular joints.
At the JUST KFO practice, we are experts in the treatment of TMD. In addition to custom-made splints and bites, we often work together with specialists in manual and osteopathic medicine.
If orthodontics does not identify any reasons for the jaw pain, then a visit to an ENT specialist is advisable. A neurologist can also help to find the cause of the problems.
If the cause of your jaw pain is regular stress, then reducing stress is the optimal solution.
First of all, you should analyze the reason for the increased stress. In many cases, the cause is quickly identified, in others, the research into the cause is more in-depth.
In addition to eliminating the source of stress, relaxation exercises, for example, can help you cope with it. Many people find fulfillment in yoga, others swear by meditation. It is best to find out for yourself which method is right for you. Psychological support can also help you to cope with stress.
