TMJ vs TMD – What is The Difference?

Jaw pain is normally explained by two acronyms TMJ and TMD, but both have different meanings and conditions. If you are having jaw pain,  well, It could be TMJ or TMD. To figure out which one you’re dealing with, you need to understand TMJ vs TMD.

So TMJ refers to the jaw joint itself, while TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, which involves issues like inflammation or pain in the jaw joint. Your jaw isn’t just for chewing; it’s essential for talking and smiling too. But when it causes issues like jaw pain and swelling – it’s a disorder called TMD. It can make one or both sides of your face feel stuck. Solving this jaw problem isn’t simple. 

Treatments vary from basic fixes like mouth guards, medications, and therapy to more serious options like surgery. Keep in mind, many times problems can get better without any treatment. So, let’s talk about signs, usual reasons, and ways to treat TMD. I’ll also give you some helpful tips that helped most of my patients.

A Brief Difference Between TMJ & TMD

TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint, and TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. It’s important to understand the difference: TMJ refers to the actual joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull, while TMD specifically refers to disorders caused by inflammation or pain affecting the TMJ.

People get confused when they casually say ”TMJ” to talk about the disorder because it involves the temporomandibular joint. To prevent confusion, it’s better to use “TMD” or “TMJD” when talking about the health condition.

The Role And Structure Of Temporomandibular Joint

Your jaw joint helps you open and close your mouth and move it around. To keep it working smoothly and without pain, some important parts are involved. The bones in the joint called TMJ are covered with flexible cartilage, and there’s a cushioning disc between them.

Inside the joint, a thick liquid called synovial fluid helps with movement. This design allows your jaw to not only open and close but also move side to side and forward and backwards.

With the help of face and head muscles, your TMJ allows you to do everyday activities like chewing, talking, making facial expressions, and even breathing easily.

Xray of lower jaw attached to the temporomandibular joint

Understanding Temporomandibular Disorders

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) include more than 30 conditions that cause pain and problems with jaw movement. They involve issues with jaw muscles, inflammation or misalignment of the TM joints, and nerves related to chronic facial pain. Temporomandibular disorders are a general term for different issues related to the joints that connect your jaw to your cheekbone.

Symptoms Of Temporomandibular Disorders

TMD can affect one or both sides of your face, and its symptoms can be short-term or last for years. It happens more often in women, and they’re twice as likely to get it compared to men. However, the most usual signs of TMD include:

  • Feeling jaw discomfort or soreness, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
  • Experiencing pain or tenderness in different parts of your face.
  • Having a locked jaw or hearing popping/clicking sounds when you open your mouth.
  • Finding it uncomfortable to chew and difficulty in opening your mouth wide.
  • Noticing swelling on the side of your face and stiffness in your jaw muscles.
  • Seeing changes in how your upper and lower teeth fit together.
  • Dealing with headaches(Migraines), earaches, or ear ringing (Tinnitus).

Diagnosis Of TMD By MRI & CT

There isn’t a widely accepted test to diagnose Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) because the exact causes and symptoms are unclear, making identification challenging. When you see your doctor or dentist, they’ll ask about your pain, where it is, when it happens, what makes it better or worse, and if it spreads. They’ll also inquire about other pain conditions like headaches or back pain.

During an examination, they’ll check your head, neck, face, and jaw for tenderness, clicking, or difficulty in movement. They might also recommend taking pictures like X-rays or MRIs to get a better look. Before saying you have a Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), your doctor or dentist will check if there’s any other health issue causing your symptoms.

Common Causes of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) doesn’t have a single cause; instead, it can result from various factors or a combination of them. Some possible causes are:

  • Grinding or clenching your teeth often(Bruxism).
  • Arthritis in the jaw joint.
  • Teeth not fitting together properly(Malocclusion).
  • Feeling stressed out.
  • Getting hurt in the jaw, like breaking or dislocating it.
  • The disc in the jaw joints moving out of place.
  • Using your chewing muscles too much.
  • Having differences in the jaw structure from birth.

Preventive Measures to Avoid TMD Issues

To prevent jaw problems, follow these simple steps. Avoid chewing gum or pen tops too much, as it stresses your jaw. Also, don’t bite into food using your front teeth, and try not to yawn too wide, as it strains your jaw. Quit biting your nails and finally, relax your teeth when you’re not eating to reduce the risk of jaw issues. These small changes in your daily habits can keep your jaw healthy.

Types Of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is complex, and various factors can cause problems with it. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are usually grouped into three main types:

  1. Myofascial (Muscle) pain: This is the most common type of jaw joint issue, causing discomfort or pain in the connective tissue (fascia) and muscles that control jaw, neck, and shoulder movements.
  2. Joint dysfunction within the body: This happens when the jaw is dislocated, the disk between the jaw bone and skull is out of place, or there’s an injury to the rounded end of the jaw bone that connects with the skull.
  3. Degenerative joint disease: This includes conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the jaw joint.

It’s possible to have one or a combination of these issues at the same time.

Ways Of Treatments Of TMD

Before getting treatment for TMDs, it’s important to know that normal jaw sounds without pain happen often and might not need any treatment. Many people find that signs and symptoms of TMD go away on their own without any specific treatment. 

Medications

There are different types of medicines, both over-the-counter and prescribed, that can help with TMJ problems. Pain relievers like acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, and muscle relaxers are some of the best options, especially for those who clench or grind their teeth. 

Physical therapy

There are different kinds of physical therapy, and one of them is manual therapy. In manual therapy, the therapist uses their hands to stretch the soft tissues and muscles around a joint. This method has been proven to improve movements and reduce pain.

Self-management & Behavioral Changes

Improve how you sit up straight and avoid crunchy things for a healthier mouth. Go for softer foods that are easier on your jaw, and don’t eat chewy snacks and gum. Try simple jaw exercises recommended by healthcare to increase flexibility and relieve tension in the jaw muscle.

Medications

Devices like mouth guards help your jaw position and prevent teeth grinding. You can buy them at stores, but it’s better to get a custom one from a dentist for the best fit.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Most issues with the jaw joint and muscles are temporary and don’t get worse, so simple treatments are usually enough.

Antidepressants

These can also be used to change how the body feels pain. However, it’s important to know that some medications, like antidepressants, might actually cause teeth grinding or clenching, known as Bruxism.

Injection

This process includes either using dry needling or injecting substances (such as Corticosteroids or Botulinum Toxin) into painful muscle knots in your jaw.

Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy involves using sound waves to send heat deep into your tissues, improving blood flow, and helping muscles relax.

Mouth guards

Devices like mouth guards help your jaw position and prevent teeth grinding. You can buy them at stores, but it’s better to get a custom one from a dentist for the best fit.

Surgical Treatments

If regular medicines and non-surgical methods don’t help, surgery might be required. There are different types of surgeries for TMJ issues:

TMJ arthroscopy

A surgeon makes a tiny cut near your ear and puts in a thin tube with a light and camera. This kind of surgery is sometimes called keyhole surgery. They use the tube to put in tools and fix bones, remove scars, or adjust the disk in your joint.

Arthrocentesis

We at Kairon Polyclinic often use this technique to figure out why your jaw joint is hurting. In the process, they might also use a needle to take out fluid from your joint, providing relief from your symptoms.

As a dentist, here are my personal tips to recover faster from TMD

I’m familiar with dealing with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), which can make basic activities like eating and talking extremely painful. As someone who sees many patients each day, it’s heart-wrenching to witness their struggles. I often recommend various treatments and lifestyle changes to help them find relief, as well as self-care routines.

These strategies have proven effective for many of my TMD patients. So, if you’re dealing with the same issue, try these tips and make them work for you. Just be patient and keep trying – you will get better too!

  • Choose soft foods like pasta, omelettes, and soup.
  • Use paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain.
  • Apply a warm or cool pack to your jaw wrapped in a towel.
  • Give your jaw muscles a gentle massage.
  • Don’t stress and find ways to relax.

FAQS

Yes, TMD is a serious and uncomfortable problem. But if you know what signs to watch for, you can take steps to prevent it. Getting advice and treatment from a dentist can help manage the issue. You can also book online consultation with me if you are having difficulties in understanding your problem.

Usually, it’s the other way around – Since the TMJ is a joint inside the mouth, not brushing won’t directly cause the problem. However, jaw issues can make it tough to brush and floss if they cause pain and difficulty opening your mouth.

The headaches from TMJ disorder can vary from regular aches to severe migraines and tension headaches caused by tight muscles in the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders.

Conclusion

It’s important to understand the difference between TMJ vs TMD if you have jaw pain. TMJ is the jaw joint, and TMD is a disorder that can cause issues like inflammation or pain in that joint. TMD symptoms can vary, and treatments range from simple methods like using mouthguards to more serious options like surgery. 

To prevent problems, avoid habits that stress your jaw, choose soft foods, and apply a warm or cool pack to your jaw wrapped in a towel. Be patient and persistent in managing TMD, and consider seeking professional advice for a better understanding of your situation. I also have a guide about impacted wisdom teeth, which is another common and painful issue. You may want to read this as it pertains to everyone.

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