MANY people complain of problems opening their mouth fully or moving their jaw from side to side. This is a relatively common but abnormal condition that lies within the scope of dentistry, which frequently goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and untreated. If you experience headaches, discommoding clicking and popping in the jaw, or pain in the face, neck or shoulders, the problem may literally be all in your head. You may be suffering from a misalignment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint that allows your mouth to open, close and move from side to side.

Other symptoms which indicate that you may be suffering from TMJ disorder include the wearing down of the teeth, tenderness of the jaw muscles, difficulty opening the mouth when the jaw gets “stuck open”, earaches without ear infection, pain and chewing, yawning or opening the mouth widely; pain in and around the ear; ears feeling stuffy or itchy; ringing, roaring, hissing, or buzzing in the ears and dizziness.

Five pairs of muscles and TMJ that connect the upper and lower jaws allow you to open and close your mouth, and control forward and side-to-side movements of the lower jaw. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, bones and joints from working together may result in pain and other problems known as TMJ syndrome.

The jaw joint can become out of alignment for many reasons. These include teeth that do not fit together properly when the jaws are clenched. This condition could come about from genetics (protruding jaw), teeth grinding, habits like cradling the phone between the ear and the shoulder, extractions or injuries like whiplash or a blow to the jaw, or even new dentures or fillings that are not done correctly. Stress plays a major role, too, and people often experience their first TMJ discomfort during stressful times.

You should quit harmful habits such as grinding your teeth, cradling the phone between your head and shoulder, etc. Do not hesitate to consult your dentist if you experience discomfort anywhere in your head, neck or shoulders.

It is not unusual for your jaw to be out of alignment, yet you experience no discomfort. Sometimes, TMJ syndrome patients can alleviate pain and discomfort with conservative home care only.
Heat is a muscle relaxant. Use a hot pad to ease aching jaw, neck and shoulder muscles. Be careful to keep heat down, so as not to cause burns. If the pain is considered to be severe, then ice packs can be used instead. Stress can create a cycle of muscle tension, and pain that needs to be broken. I would recommend relaxation techniques, such as progressive relaxation, in which you consciously relax muscles, starting with your head and working down your body to the feet.

You might also try visualisation exercises to let go of stress. Find a quiet, comfortable place where you would not be disturbed. Close your eyes, and take a couple of deep breaths. Now imagine yourself in one of your favourite places. Let yourself feel the sights and hear the sounds. Feel yourself relaxing in this special place. There is nothing you must do, nowhere you must go. After several minutes of enjoying the visualisation, take a couple of deep breaths and slowly open your eyes. You may find you feel amazingly relaxed and refreshed from this “mental vacation”. If you have tried this, and it has not worked, contact your dentist or physician.