Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Although they can be helpful for chewing and grinding food, in some cases they can cause a range of problems, including Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ). This article looks at the connection between wisdom teeth and TMJ, as well as what to do if you think you may be suffering from TMJ due to wisdom teeth.TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone). This joint allows us to talk, chew, and yawn and is located in front of the ear on either side of the head.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of your mouth. They usually appear in your late teens or early twenties, which is why they are commonly known as “adult teeth”. They are the last permanent teeth to come in and often times they do not have enough room to properly erupt into the mouth. This can cause them to become impacted, which means they can become stuck in the jawbone or gum tissue and not break through the surface of the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes cause pain, infection, and other dental problems if left untreated.
In some cases, wisdom teeth may not need to be extracted and may be able to remain in place without causing any problems. However, it is important for patients to visit their dentist regularly so that their dentist can monitor any changes that may occur with their wisdom teeth. If there are any signs that they may be impacted or causing other issues, then extraction may be recommended by your dentist.
Wisdom Teeth and TMJ
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that usually appear in the late teenage years or early twenties. Unfortunately, these teeth often come in misaligned or impacted, meaning they are unable to erupt properly from the gumline. This can cause a variety of issues with jaw alignment and, in some cases, lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
TMJ disorder is a condition that causes pain and discomfort in the jaw joint and muscles responsible for opening and closing the mouth. It can be caused by a number of factors including muscle strain, injury, arthritis, or misalignment of the jaws due to poor dental alignment or wisdom teeth.
When wisdom teeth come in misaligned or impacted, they can push on surrounding teeth which can lead to bite misalignment as well as discomfort when chewing or speaking. When this happens it puts strain on the jaw joint and muscles which can cause TMJ disorder.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of TMJ disorder such as jaw pain when chewing, clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth wide, headaches or neck pain it’s important that you speak with your dentist so they can examine your mouth to see if there is any misalignment due to impacted wisdom teeth. If so, they may recommend having them removed in order to alleviate your symptoms.
How Does Poor Oral Hygiene Affect TMJ?
Poor oral hygiene can have a significant impact on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Bacteria from poor oral hygiene can cause inflammation in the joint, leading to TMJ pain, discomfort, and dysfunction. Additionally, plaque and tartar buildup can cause misalignment of the teeth and jaw, which can further irritate the TMJ. Plaque and tartar also harbor bacteria that can cause infection around the joint, leading to increased inflammation.
Poor oral hygiene also increases your risk of developing gum disease, which is associated with TMJ disorders. Gum disease causes inflammation of the gums and surrounding soft tissue structures, including those that connect to the temporomandibular joint. This inflammation can lead to a variety of symptoms including pain, clicking or popping noises when opening or closing your mouth, difficulty chewing or speaking, and limited range of motion in the jaw.
In order to protect your TMJ from poor oral hygiene habits, it’s important to practice good dental hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day for two minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. It’s also important to see your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to ensure that any potential problems are caught early before they become more serious. If you already have TMJ symptoms or if you’ve been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, talk to your dentist about additional treatments that may be beneficial for managing your condition.
Symptoms of TMJ Caused by Wisdom Teeth
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is a joint connecting the jawbone and the skull. When wisdom teeth emerge, they can cause TMJ disorders due to their size and positioning. Common symptoms of TMJ caused by wisdom teeth include pain in the jaw, ear, neck, and face; limited movement of the jaw joint; clicking or popping sound when opening or closing the mouth; headache; difficulty chewing; and facial swelling.
Pain in the jaw is most commonly felt when eating hard foods. This is because wisdom teeth can put pressure on other teeth or on the jawbone, causing discomfort in the area. Earache is another common symptom of TMJ caused by wisdom teeth. This is because when the jaw is misaligned due to impacted wisdom teeth, it can lead to pain that radiates to the ear area.
Neck pain may also be experienced due to TMJ caused by impacted wisdom teeth. This is because when there is a misalignment of the jaw due to impacted teeth, it can lead to tension in the neck muscles which results in pain. Other symptoms of TMJ caused by wisdom teeth include limited movement of the jaw joint, clicking or popping sound when opening or closing the mouth, headache, difficulty chewing, and facial swelling. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable and should not be ignored if they persist for more than a few days.
TMJ Treatment for Wisdom Teeth-Related Issues
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition that affects the jaw, which can be caused by wisdom teeth. The condition causes pain, discomfort, and limited mobility of the jaw. It is important to treat TMJ disorder caused by wisdom teeth as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
The treatment for TMJ disorder related to wisdom teeth will depend on the severity and cause of the disorder. In some cases, a dentist may recommend removing the impacted wisdom teeth in order to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of TMJ disorder. However, this is not always necessary and there are other treatment options available.
One option is physical therapy which can help improve jaw mobility and reduce pain by helping to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the jaw. Physical therapy can also help improve posture and reduce stress, both of which can contribute to TMJ issues.
Another treatment option is orthodontic treatment such as braces or aligners that can help correct any misalignments in the teeth or bite that may be contributing to the TMJ disorder. In some cases, oral appliances such as splints or mouth guards can also be used to help realign the jaws and reduce tension on certain points in the jaw muscles.
Medication may also be prescribed to help manage pain and inflammation associated with TMJ disorder caused by wisdom teeth. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be recommended along with anti-inflammatory medications for more severe cases of inflammation. Injections of steroids may also be used to reduce inflammation in areas where it has become severe enough to cause limited mobility in the jaw joint itself.
Finally, surgery may be recommended if non-surgical treatments are not sufficient in managing symptoms related to wisdom tooth-caused TMJ disorder. Surgery typically involves removal of part or all of one or more impacted wisdom teeth in order to allow more room for other teeth or to reduce pressure on certain muscles in the jaw area that could be causing dysfunction or discomfort.
Prevention of Wisdom Tooth-Induced TMJ Symptoms
One of the best ways to prevent wisdom tooth-induced TMJ symptoms is to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Brush and floss regularly, and make sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups. If you notice any signs of pain or discomfort, contact your dentist right away. Your dentist can assess the situation and recommend treatment if necessary.
It is also important to practice good oral hygiene habits such as avoiding sugary foods and drinks, using a fluoride-containing toothpaste, and drinking plenty of water. Avoiding hard or crunchy foods can also help reduce the risk of developing TMJ symptoms from wisdom teeth.
Your dentist may recommend having your wisdom teeth removed if they are causing pain or discomfort. While this is generally an outpatient procedure, it can be a bit painful and take some time to heal from. Taking over-the-counter pain medications as directed will help manage pain during recovery.
Finally, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help promote overall health and reduce the risk of developing TMJ symptoms from wisdom teeth. Eating foods that are rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and omega 3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation in the jaw muscles that can lead to TMJ symptoms. Exercise can also help by strengthening the jaw muscles and promoting good blood flow throughout the body which helps reduce inflammation in the jaw joint area.
By following these tips for prevention of wisdom tooth-induced TMJ symptoms, you can help keep your mouth healthy and prevent painful or uncomfortable jaw problems from occurring in the future.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth can cause TMJ, depending on the individual’s dental health and the positioning of their wisdom teeth. If wisdom teeth are impacted, they can cause a misalignment of the jaw which can lead to TMJ. In some cases, removing the wisdom teeth is necessary to alleviate TMJ symptoms. However, it is important to consult with a dental professional before deciding whether or not to remove wisdom teeth. Additionally, other treatments such as physical therapy and mouth guards may also be recommended to alleviate TMJ symptoms.
Overall, it is important to pay attention to any changes in your jaw or mouth that could be caused by your wisdom teeth. Consulting with a dentist or physician is necessary if you have any concerns about how your wisdom teeth may be impacting your overall oral health and TMJ development.