Millions of people in Germany suffer from temporomandibular joint pain, at least from time to time. And the number of people who experience chronic pain in the temporomandibular joint is also very high. But what might be triggering this pain, and how can it be managed? With our TMD, we target the root causes.
Here you can find out what causes temporomandibular joint pain and what measures can provide immediate and long-term relief.
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.
What can cause temporomandibular joint pain?
Pain in the temporomandibular joint can have various causes. Quite often, the cause is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common cause. This is a disorder of the masticatory system in which the interaction between joints, muscles, and tendons is disrupted.
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 include pain that radiates to other parts of the head, as well as to the shoulders, neck, back, and cervical spine. Dizziness and tinnitus may 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.
Please feel free to contact the JUST KFO practice if you are experiencing pain in your temporomandibular joint. Through professional diagnosis, we will determine the cause of your jaw pain and develop an effective treatment plan.
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, TMD involves the use of an occlusal splint. A fixed bite guard is also an option for correcting temporomandibular joint disorders.
Gut zu wissen: Schienen kommen nicht nur bei CMD zum Einsatz – auch nächtliches Schnarchen und leichte Schlafapnoe lassen sich mit einer individuell angepassten Schnarchschiene bei Schlafapnoe wirksam behandeln.
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 cannot identify any reasons for the jaw pain, it is advisable to consult an ENT doctor. 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.
- Schupp, W., Haubrich, J., & Funke, J. (2020). Treatment with occlusal splints and their fabrication using a digital workflow. Informationen aus Orthodontie & Kieferorthopädie, 52(3), 227–231. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1200-5934
- Schiffman, E., Ohrbach, R., Truelove, E., et al. (2014). Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) for Clinical and Research Applications. Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache, 28(1), 6–27. https://doi.org/10.11607/jop.1151
- German Society for Functional Diagnostics and Therapy (DGFDT) & DGZMK. S3 Guideline: Diagnosis and Treatment of Bruxism. AWMF Registry No. 083-027 (2019). awmf.org
- Schupp, W., Haubrich, J., & Neumann, I. (2010). Invisalign of patients with craniomandibular disorders. International Orthodontics, 8(3), 253–267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ortho.2010.07.010
Häufig gestellte Fragen zu Kiefergelenkschmerzen
Was kann ich sofort selbst gegen Kiefergelenkschmerzen tun?
Kurzfristig helfen oft weiche Kost, bewusstes Entspannen der Kiefermuskulatur und Wärme, etwa in Form eines warmen Tuchs. Vermeiden Sie sehr harte oder zähe Speisen und starkes Zusammenpressen der Zähne. Bei akuter Reizung kann auch Kälte lindernd wirken – probieren Sie aus, was Ihnen guttut.
Wann sollte ich mit Kieferschmerzen ärztlichen Rat einholen?
Ärztlichen Rat sollten Sie einholen, wenn die Schmerzen plötzlich stark auftreten, länger anhalten oder mit Schwellung, Rötung, eingeschränkter Mundöffnung oder Ohrbeschwerden einhergehen. Halten Beschwerden länger als etwa zwei bis drei Wochen an, ist eine fachliche Abklärung sinnvoll.
Welche Fachrichtung behandelt Kiefergelenkschmerzen?
Erste Ansprechpartner sind auf Funktionsstörungen (CMD) spezialisierte Kieferorthopädinnen und Kieferorthopäden sowie Zahnärztinnen und Zahnärzte. Je nach Ursache arbeiten wir interdisziplinär mit Physiotherapie, HNO oder Orthopädie zusammen.
Hängen Kiefergelenkschmerzen mit Stress und Zähneknirschen zusammen?
Häufig ja. Stress führt oft zu unbewusstem Zähnepressen oder nächtlichem Knirschen, was Kaumuskulatur und Kiefergelenk überlastet. Eine Aufbissschiene kann die Zähne schützen und die Muskulatur entlasten, beseitigt aber nicht die Ursache – begleitend sind Entspannung und Stressabbau wichtig.
Welche langfristigen Lösungen gibt es?
Je nach Befund reichen die Möglichkeiten von einer individuell angepassten Schiene über gezielte Übungen und Physiotherapie bis – in ausgewählten Fällen – zur Korrektur einer zugrunde liegenden Fehlstellung. Dabei gilt: Zuerst kommen immer schonende, umkehrbare Maßnahmen. Grundlage ist eine sorgfältige Funktionsanalyse, auf der wir einen auf Sie zugeschnittenen Behandlungsplan aufbauen.
Dr. Julia Steinmaier
Specialist in orthodontics. Owner of JUST KFO Cologne, a sought-after speaker and author who regularly contributes to professional publications and the media.
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