A jaw joint problem arises when the temporomandibular joint, or “TMJ” connecting your lower jaw to the base of your skull becomes painful and is unable to function normally. People with jaw joint problems may not be able to open or close their mouths fully or chew hard, sticky foods. They may also experience painful clicking or popping when they attempt to open and close their mouth.

What causes a Jaw Joint Problem?
A jaw joint problem is caused by the components of the TMJ changing shape and becoming unstable when the joint moves. A small cushioning disc sits between your jaw bone and the base of your skull. Sometimes the ligaments holding this disc in place become stretched and the disc pops out of place; either in front of the jaw bone or behind it.

The risk factors for a jaw joint problem are:
• Trauma to the jaw
• An unbalanced bite
• Day or night time tooth grinding
• Being double-jointed
• Arthritis in other joints in the body
• Lifestyle choices that require repetitive or prolonged opening of your mouth such as singing

What can I do to minimize my risk of future Jaw Joint Problems?
The first step in addressing a jaw joint problem is to have your dentist evaluate your individual risk factors and customize an appropriate Management Protocol for you.

Your Jaw Joint Management Protocol may include:
• Treating an unbalanced bite
• Managing tooth grinding
• Decreasing stress to the jaw through the use of
– Oral splints
– Medication
– Lifestyle counseling
• Increasing jaw mobility through the use of
– Jaw exercises
– Medication

What will happen if I choose to do nothing about my Jaw Joint Problem?
Ignoring a jaw joint problem may lead to chronic, debilitating pain and an inability to function normally when chewing and speaking.

A bite problem arises when the three parts of your chewing system – your teeth, jaw joint and chewing muscles – cannot function ideally because of the way your teeth fit together. Over time, the stress a bite problem puts on your chewing system may lead to muscle and jaw joint pain as well as headaches, ringing in your ears and worn, broken or loose teeth.

What causes a Bite Problem?
A bite problem is caused by your upper and lower teeth rubbing against each other irregularly when you are chewing and meeting unevenly when you close your mouth.

Dr. Brantly can determine the best plan to help evaluate your risk factors and customize and appropriate management plan.

Your Bite Problem Management Protocol may include:
• Wearing a deprogrammer to determine your most relaxed jaw position
• Treating an unbalanced bite by:
– Reshaping or “equilibrating” your teeth
– Rebuilding your teeth by adding to them with dental restorations
– Orthodontically moving your teeth

The Management Protocol for bite problems has important steps that you must carry out on your own to address your particular bite problem. Dr. Brantly and the team at Petoskey Family Dental Care will support you every step of the way.

Night time tooth grinding is a sleep disorder also known as “sleep bruxism” that effects up to 8% of adults. It occurs much more frequently in children, but most will grow out of it by age twelve. Adults that grind their teeth at night may awake with headaches, sore jaw joints, sore jaw muscles or chipped and worn teeth. Occasionally there are no symptoms, but the noise of your teeth grinding may disrupt your sleep, as well as the sleep of family members.

What causes Night Time Tooth Grinding?
The cause of night time tooth grinding is not well understood. We know that some people are more susceptible to it than others. We also know that those people who grind their teeth may not do so every night.

What can I do to minimize my risk of future Night Time Tooth Grinding?
After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Brantly will likely recommend one or more of the following treatments to minimize your risk of night time tooth grinding:

Diagnose and treat

• Night time airway issues
• Bite problems

Manage

• Stress
• Obesity

Protect your teeth and jaw joint by having a custom night guard made

If you are experiencing any of these jaw pain conditions, contact Dr. Brantly today.