Understanding TMJ Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options Temp oro mandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are conditions that affect the jaw joints, muscles, and nerves responsible for jaw movement. Many people experience TMJ – related issues, often without realizing that their discomfort or pain is connected to this small but crucial joint. What is the TMJ? The TMJ is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, located just in front of each ear. It allows you to talk, chew, and yawn, making it one of the most frequently used joints in your body. When this joint or the surrounding muscles experience dysfunction, it leads to what is commonly referred to as a TMJ disorder (TMD). What Causes TMJ Disorders? There are several potential causes of TMJ disorders, including: 1. Injury or Trauma: A direct blow to the jaw, head, or neck can damage the TMJ or surrounding muscles. 2. Arthritis: Just like other joints in the body, the TMJ can be affected by various forms of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. 3. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night, can put significant stress on the TMJ and lead to its dysfunction. 4. Stress: Emotional or psychological stress often leads to increased jaw tension, which can exacerbate TMJ pain or dysfunction. 5. Idiopathic: Very often, it is impossible to pin point the exact cause for TMD. Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders TMJ disorders can present a wide variety of symptoms, often making diagnosis tricky. Some common signs include: Jaw Pain or Tenderness: Persistent aching or soreness in the jaw joint or surrounding areas. Headaches or Migraines: Pain may radiate from the jaw to the head, mimicking tension headaches or migraines. Ear Pain or Ringing (Tinnitus): TMJ problems can sometimes be mistaken for ear infections due to pain near the ear. Difficulty Chewing or Opening the Mouth: You may experience discomfort or even locking of the jaw when eating or yawning. Clicking or Popping Sounds: Some people notice a clicking, popping, or grinding noise when moving their jaw. While this isn’t always painful, it can be a sign of TMJ issues. Facial Swelling: In some cases, inflammation or irritation around the TMJ may cause noticeable swelling. Common TMJ Disorders There are several conditions classified under TMJ disorders, including: 1. Myo fascial Pain: The most common type of TMD, characterized by pain in the muscles that control jaw function. 2. Internal Derangement: This occurs when there’s a problem with the joint itself, often involving a displaced disc or dislocated jaw. 3. Degenerative Joint Disease: Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause the TMJ to break down over time. Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders The good news is that TMJ disorders are treatable. Treatment plans often depend on the underlying cause, but they can range from conservative methods to more advanced interventions. Some common treatment options include: 1. Self-Care and Lifestyle Changes: Ice/Heat Therapy: Applying ice packs or moist heat to the affected area can reduce inflammation and ease muscle tension. Stress Management: Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can alleviate jaw tension caused by stress. Jaw Exercises: Physical therapy exercises to strengthen the jaw and improve joint function. 2. Medications: Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Muscle Relaxants: In some cases, muscle relaxants are prescribed to relieve tension in the jaw muscles.  Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Prescription anti-inflammatory medications may be used to target severe inflammation. 3. Dental Treatments: Mouth guards: Custom-fitted night guards or splints can reduce the effects of teeth grinding or clenching, which is a common cause of TMJ disorders. 4. Surgery: Minimally invasive options like Arthro centesis or Joint lavage can help resolve symptoms or slow down disease progression. Invasive procedures like joint surgery/ replacement are rarely indicated. 5. Botox Injections: Botox can be injected into the jaw muscles to reduce chronic pain caused by muscle tension or Bruxism. When to See a Specialist If you’re experiencing persistent jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty moving your jaw, it’s important to consult with a dentist or an oro facial pain specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and improve your quality of life. In conclusion, while TMJ disorders can cause significant discomfort, they are treatable with the right approach. Whether through lifestyle changes, medical intervention, or dental care, relief is possible. If you suspect that you might have a TMJ disorder, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance for a tailored treatment plan.

What is burning mouth syndrome If you experience a burning sensation in your mouth that worsens with certain activities and is accompanied with a dry mouth; chances are that you are suffering from burning mouth syndrome. Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a condition that is often challenging to manage and can result in a poor quality of life for the patient. It is characterised by a persistent burning sensation in the mouth, especially the tongue and lips. The burning sensation is at times accompanied by dry mouth and altered taste perception. That is why this condition is called a syndrome. There are no lesions or ulcers seen in the mouth. Burning or pain will be experienced constantly for at least 4–6 months, and is continuous throughout the day. Certain activities can trigger the burning pain. You should try and keep a track of your symptoms to see what worsens the burning and when it happens. When I see a patient with these symptoms, I usually take a detailed history and conduct a physical exam. Certain tests are ordered to investigate for any underlying condition that may be causing the symptoms. If an underlying disease is detected, treatment for that condition is initiated. If all tests are normal, we start the patient on medication therapy for BMS. The medication prescribed is according to the patient’s symptoms and overall medical history. I usually like to try local application medication before advising any pills to be swallowed. The treatment for BMS is not standardised and what works for one patient may not work for another. It usually takes a few weeks before patients notice any change in symptoms. It is very important to remain calm and communicate efficiently with the doctor. Stress can aggravate the symptoms so keep in mind that the management of BMS is a marathon and not a sprint.  

Everyone is desirous of sleep that is refreshing and sufficient. No one likes waking up in the morning and feeling groggy and unrested. However, good quality sleep remains elusive to a vast majority of us. Here are Dr. Tody’s top tips to help you sleep like a baby:

Sleep apnea is a condition which is characterized by cessation of breathing for a few seconds to minutes and is associated with a drop in blood oxygen level. The term apnea refers to complete stoppage in breathing while hypopnea refers to shallow or restricted breathing. There are two types of sleep apnea: Obstructive and Central. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common condition and is caused by an actual, physical obstruction in the airway. This obstruction can be due to narrowing of airway, collapsing of airway, laxity of muscles, large tongue, etc. Central sleep apnea, on the other hand, is due to lack of breathing impulse from the brain which in turns leads to stoppage of breath. Untreated sleep apnea has far reaching health implications and increases healthcare expenditure. It also leads to worsening of pre-existing disorders like hypertension, diabetes, cardiac issues, etc. Studies have shown that treating sleep apnea leads to better control of blood pressure, blood sugar, decreases risk of stroke and improves overall cardiac health. Patients who have sleep apnea often complain of forgetfulness, mental fog, lethargy, sleepiness and fatigue among other symptoms. All of these lead to loss of productivity at work and increase chances of workplace and automobile accidents. Managing sleep disorders has shown to improve neurocognitive functioning and decreased risk of vehicular accidents as per studies conducted in the United States. Long haul truck drivers and locomotive drivers are now regularly screened for sleep apnea in many countries to prevent catastrophic accidents caused by a very easy to treat disease. There are multiple treatment options available ranging from CPAP machines and dental devices to surgery. The exact cause and level of sleep apnea needs to be evaluated by a sleep specialist to determine appropriate treatment needed. We spend a large part of our lives sleeping. Anyone experiencing sleep difficulties should have their sleep evaluated and see a specialist for corrective measures. In conclusion, sleep health is very important for healthy living and should not be ignored.