Do you wake up with a sore jaw, hear a clicking sound when chewing or have trouble opening your mouth widely? If so, you may have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. These issues are more common than you might think—more than 10 million Americans have TMJ, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. But don’t despair, most TMJ symptoms can be relieved with home treatments and non-invasive diagnostic methods.

First, your doctor will examine the affected area to determine the extent of the problem. X-rays, CT scans or an MRI may be used to get a detailed look at the TM joint and surrounding structures. A computerized joint vibration analysis can also help in the diagnosis of TMJ, and help pinpoint the underlying cause of your pain.

Effective TMJ Treatment Options at Silverdale Dental Center

The most important treatment is to avoid clenching or grinding your teeth and to stop any habits that strain the joint or muscles of the face (such as chewing gum, big yawns, pounding on ice or using your teeth to open packages). You can also try jaw-stretching exercises, moist heat or cold packs on the affected side of your face, and taking over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers.

To test if you have limited mouth opening, the “three-finger” test can be helpful. Press your thumb, index, and middle finger into the space between your upper and lower front teeth and if you can’t open the space wide enough to fit all three fingers, you might have TMJ.