TMJ Doctor Near Me San Diego, CA: Understanding How TMJ Disorders Develop

Featured Article, TMJ & Oral Facial Pain

If you’ve been suffering from a TemporoMandibular Joint condition, often called TMJ, that you cannot get relief from, look no further, Dr. Lynne Thomas and her compassionate team at Pearls of Dentistry can provide you with answers. Many people experience jaw discomfort, popping sounds, or tension headaches, or changes in their bite without realizing these could be symptoms of a TMJ disorder or changes at the TMJ level . At Pearls of Dentistry, we believe in helping patients understand what is the cause of these issues. Let’s explore how TMJ disorders develop and what you can do to protect your jaw health.

What causes TMJ disorders to develop in the first place?

TMJ disorders can develop from a combination of factors affecting the jaw joint, muscles, and surrounding supporting tissues. Common causes could include a history of upper body trauma or a series of upper body microtraumas throughout life, laxity of the ligaments or joint hypermobility, arthritis or bony changes, and malocclusion. In some cases, multiple triggers overlap, leading to inflammation and/or stress at the joint level. Over time, these issues can create chronic pain, jaw stiffness, and difficulty chewing or opening your mouth fully.

How does Botox treat TMJ problems?

Grinding or clenching places not only excessive pressure on the teeth but also on the TMJ which results in hyperactivity of the muscles involved in chewing. Like any muscle in your body, the more activity the stronger the muscles become which impacts oral structures like teeth, bone and the TMJ. Botox can reduce that hyperactivity and it will need to be administered at a recommended interval, usually every 4-6 months. If there are structural changes at the TMJ level, Botox treatment will not correct the underlying issues and the TMJ could continue to worsen possibly leading to higher pain levels, significant bite changes and/or limit how wide you can open and in extreme cases, your jaw could lock in an open position or closed position.

Can poor posture really affect my jaw joint?

Absolutely! Poor posture, especially slouching or leaning forward for long periods while using computers or phones, can strain the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. This imbalance may alter how the jaw aligns and moves, contributing to TMJ discomfort. Maintaining good posture, stretching regularly, and keeping screens at eye level can help prevent jaw tension caused by misalignment.

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Are TMJ disorders hereditary or related to arthritis?

Genetics can play a role, as some people inherit traits like a misaligned bite or joint structure that predispose them to TMJ problems. Additionally, arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis, can damage the cartilage within the TMJ, leading to pain and restricted movement. Regular dental exams allow Dr. Thomas to identify early warning signs and recommend treatment before the condition worsens.

Find Relief for TMJ Pain in San Diego

Like any procedure in medicine, treatment recommendations start with a diagnosis using imaging. If you’re concerned about your TMJ, Pearls of Dentistry invites you to come consult with Drs Thomas and Langenbach. TMJ doctor near me in San Diego, California. The caring team at Pearls of Dentistry are dedicated to helping patients find long-lasting relief through personalized TMJ treatment options. Schedule your consultation today by calling (858) 451-4413 to learn more about restoring balance and comfort to your jaw.

Supporting literature:

Shmuel Zidell, Lynette Gonzalez, Jacob Scott, Susan Armijo-Olivio, Inae Caroline Gadotti. Impact of learning and working from home during the COVID -19 pandemic on the head, neck and orofacial health: A cross-sectional pilot study.2024 Jan-Feb;61(1):13-21. Dent Med Probl
Cardoneanu, A. TM Joint Osteoarthritis: Pathogenic Mechanisms Involving the Cartilage and Subchondral Bone…Int J Mol Sci 2022 Dec 22;24(1): 171
Andrea Stracciolini, Rebecca Casciano, Hilary Levey Friedman, Cynthia J Stein, William P Meehan 3rd, Lyle J Micheli. Pediatric sports injuries: a comparison of males versus females 2014 Apr;42(4):965-72. Epub 2014 Feb 24
Carlos Flores-Mir, Brian Nebbe, Giseon Heo, Paul W Major. Longitudinal study of temporomandibular joint disc status and craniofacial growth. 2006 Sep;130(3):324-30 Comparative Study AM J Sports Med
K P Schellhas, S R Pollei, C H Wilkes. Pediatric internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint: effect on facial development. 1993 Jul; 104(1):51-9. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop