Are you experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or clicking sounds when you move your jaw? You might be dealing with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. As TMJ specialists offering expert care in Lisbon and Évora, we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know about this condition.

Table of Contents

1. What is TMJ Dysfunction?
2. Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
3. Causes of TMJ Dysfunction
4. Diagnosis of TMJ Dysfunction
5. Conservative Treatment Options
6. Surgical Treatments for TMJ Dysfunction
7. TMJ Dysfunction and Overall Health
8. The Link Between TMJ Dysfunction and Sleep Disorders
9. Diet and TMJ Dysfunction
10. Key Takeaways About TMJ Dysfunction

What is TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ dysfunction, also known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD), affects the joints connecting your lower jaw to your skull. This condition can range from mild to severe and significantly impact your quality of life.

Our practice specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ dysfunction, offering expert care in both Lisbon and Évora.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you might have TMJ dysfunction:

• Pain in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders
• Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Persistent headaches
• Jaw locking or limited mouth opening

Causes of TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ dysfunction doesn’t have a single cause. Common factors we see in our Lisbon and Évora practice include:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Missing teeth affecting joint stability
• Stress leading to muscle tension
• Trauma to the jaw
• Joint inflammation or infection
• Hormonal changes affecting joint sensitivity
• Increased pain receptor sensitivity

Diagnosis of TMJ Dysfunction

During your appointment in Lisbon or Évora, we diagnose TMJ dysfunction through:

• Comprehensive medical history
• Thorough physical examination
• MRI imaging when necessary

Remember, while imaging can provide valuable information, it’s not always required for an initial TMJ dysfunction diagnosis.

Treatment

Conservative Treatment Options

In our Lisbon and Évora practice, we offer various non-invasive treatments for TMJ dysfunction:

• Patient education on joint function and self-care
• Dietary modifications during acute pain periods
• Stress-relief techniques (self-massage, relaxation exercises, meditation)
• Heat or cold therapy
• Over-the-counter pain medication (under medical guidance)
• Custom-made mouth guards (we prefer Michigan splints over soft silicone guards)
• Physical therapy, especially beneficial for associated neck and back pain

Surgical Treatments for TMJ Dysfunction

While most cases improve with conservative measures, some patients in Lisbon and Évora may require minimally invasive procedures:

• Arthrocentesis or arthroscopy to flush out inflammatory fluids
• Viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid injections or PRP (platet-rich protein) PRF (platet-rich fibrin).

Open surgery is rarely necessary and usually reserved for tumors, severe trauma, or joint replacement.

TMJ Dysfunction and Overall Health

Managing stress is crucial for TMJ dysfunction patients. We recommend:

• Regular exercise
• Relaxation techniques
• Professional counseling when needed

The Link Between TMJ Dysfunction and Sleep Disorders

In our Lisbon and Évora appointments, we often find a connection between TMJ dysfunction and sleep disorders. Watch for signs like:

• Unrestful sleep or daytime sleepiness
• Frequent nighttime awakenings
• Nighttime teeth grinding
• Snoring or sleep apnea symptoms

Proper diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders can significantly improve TMJ dysfunction management.

Diet and TMJ Dysfunction

Your diet can impact TMJ dysfunction symptoms. We advise our Lisbon and Évora patients to:

• Avoid trigger foods during acute pain phases
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Stay hydrated to support joint health

Key Takeaways About TMJ Dysfunction

1. TMJ dysfunction is common and treatable with professional help.
2. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better outcomes.
3. Treatment approaches are personalized to each patient’s needs.
4. A variety of effective treatments are available, from conservative to surgical options.
5. TMJ dysfunction can significantly impact overall health and quality of life.

If you’re in Lisbon or Évora and suspect you have TMJ dysfunction, don’t hesitate to seek treatment. Our specialized care is here to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.