Don't ignore jaw pain.
If jaw pain is something you experience every day, you might think it’s just a normal part of life. But it’s important to know that jaw pain isn’t something you should overlook. It could be a sign of TMD (TemporoMandibular Disorder), a condition that affects the TemporoMandibular Joints (TMJ) (the joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull). When these joints are misaligned or become inflamed, they can cause pain and discomfort in other areas of your face and body.
Signs you may have TMJ disorder (TMD):
- Regular headaches
- Pain or tenderness around the ears
- Discomfort in your face or jaw
- Tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Popping, clicking, or grinding noises from the jaw
- Difficulty with chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth wide
How do we diagnose and treat TMJ Disorder?
Diagnosis
Treating TMJ disorder (TMD) starts with a thorough clinical examination. Dr. Natasha will carefully assess your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During your visit, we’ll look for pain, tenderness, and any signs of clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth, chew, or swallow. If TMJ disorder is diagnosed, we often recommend a bite splint or night guard as an initial treatment option.
Treatment and Relief
Our primary treatment for TMD includes custom-made bite splints. These plastic mouthpieces are specifically designed to fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. They help to reduce teeth grinding and jaw clenching, both of which can trigger or worsen TMD. The splints also work by realigning the jaw, alleviating stress on the jaw joints and muscles.
Alternative Treatment Options
If a misaligned bite or missing teeth are contributing to your symptoms, we may suggest orthodontics or restorative procedures. For some patients, reshaping teeth to distribute bite pressure more evenly can also provide relief from TMD-related discomfort.
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Our caring team is here four days a week, including until 5pm and Saturdays, to make dental care work with your schedule. During your first visit, we’ll examine your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. We’ll listen to your goals and concerns and create a personalized treatment plan that helps you feel confident about your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ refers to the Temporomandibular Joint, which connects your lower jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes damaged, inflamed, or misaligned, it can result in Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), a condition that often leads to discomfort and limited jaw function.
The signs of TMD include pain around the ear, jaw joint, or the muscles in the face, temples, or jaw. Other symptoms include difficulty opening or closing your mouth and unusual sounds, such as clicking, popping, or grinding, when you yawn, chew, or speak. TMD can also be linked to headaches and neck pain, so proper diagnosis is crucial.
Several factors can contribute to TMD, including jaw injuries, joint diseases such as arthritis, and habits like bruxism (teeth grinding). Muscle tension in the head and neck can also worsen symptoms. Although stress is often associated with TMD, the direct cause-and-effect relationship remains unclear. Poorly fitting dentures and habitual behaviours, such as biting nails or chewing pens, can also lead to TMD. We’re here to help diagnose the root cause of your symptoms and guide you toward the most effective treatment.
Headaches have many potential causes, and TMD could be one of them. The only way to determine if your headaches are related to TMD is through a physical examination, which can help pinpoint the source of your pain.
Most cases of TMD are treated successfully with non-invasive treatments, and surgery is rarely needed. We’ll explore all your treatment options with you, starting with the most conservative and effective approaches. Together, you’ll make an informed decision that prioritizes your health and comfort.
TMD is diagnosed through a combination of your medical history, a physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays. Dr. Natasha will assess your jaw movements, listen for unusual sounds like clicking or popping, and check for tenderness around the joint. Based on this evaluation, we can determine if your symptoms are related to TMD or another condition.
While some at-home remedies, such as applying heat or cold to the affected area, may help reduce discomfort temporarily, professional treatment is usually necessary to address the root cause of TMD. Dr. Natasha may recommend exercises, physical therapy, or other therapeutic techniques tailored to your condition to help alleviate symptoms and improve jaw function.
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