What is TMJ/TMD Disorder?

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) refers to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), jawmuscles, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. The TMJS connect your lower jaw to your skull (upper jaw) and are essential for functions like chewing and speaking, swallowing and breathing.

TMD Symptoms

Jaw pain and stiffness Headaches and facial pain Limited or deviated mouth opening

  • Episodes of jaw locking Jaw noises (popping, clicking, and grinding)
  • Ear symptoms (pain, ringing, stuffiness)
  • Toothache or tooth tenderness
  • Changes in the way your teeth fit together
  • Neck or shoulder pain and stiffness

In adolescence, TMD can impact jaw growth and lead to jaw deformities if not diagnosed and treated early.

TMD Causes

  • Stress
  • Poor posture
  • Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) Malocclusion (misaligned/ missing teeth) Jaw overuse (talking, singing, chewing) Jaw injuries (sports/fights/car accident) Arthritis in the jaw joints
  • Sleep disorders
  • Poor breathing and sleep apnea

Early diagnosis of TMD is crucial for maintaining your jaw health.

Sometimes, before jaw pain and other symptoms appear, TMD can manifest during dental appointments as a restricted range of jaw opening, jaw clicking or popping, changes in your bite, and worn or cracked teeth.

Your doctor and dental hygienist play a crucial role in the early diagnosis of TMD, often identifying the condition before pain and other symptoms affect your chewing, talking, and other jaw functions

Consider your jaw health to be just as important as your dental health.

Initial and follow-up assessment

Based on your doctor’s diagnosis, we begin with a thorough discussion of your primary concerns, symptoms, and relevant medical history.

Through a comprehensive physical examination, we investigate the following factors or abnormalities that may be associated with your TMD and neck symptoms:

  • Poor Postural Habits
  • Occlusion Type and Bite Changes
  • Breathing Habits
  • Muscular Signs for Jaw Overuse
  • Tooth Signs for Clenching and Grinding Habits
  • Jaw Muscle/Joint Tenderness
  • Jaw Noises (Clicking, Popping, Grinding)
  • Jaw Mobility, Stability and Irritability
  • Tender Points Associated with Toothache/Headache Contribution of Neck-Shoulder to TMD Symptoms
  • Abnormalities Found in Imaging Reports
  • Oral Appliance/ and How it Protects Your Jaw

Our TMD Treatment Perspective

Considering your doctor’s diagnosis, your medical history (like medications, oral appliance, bite adjustments, surgical interventions, Botox injections, etc.), and our physical examination findings, you may benefit from the following treatments:

Specific Soft Tissue Releases will manage muscle pain and stiffness in your jaw and neck, alleviating headaches, earaches, and toothaches, while restoring mobility.

Joint Mobilization addresses restricted jaw or neck joint motion, locking, and joint noises.

Postural Training minimizes the risk of straining your jaw and neck.

Home Exercises: Consistent jaw, tongue, and neck exercises, along with proper breathing techniques, will help restore normal muscle tension and balanced movements, reducing clenching and grinding habits, and snoring.

Education: Learn about jaw structure, TMD symptom sources, relaxation methods, and self-management of muscle tension and pain.

Clinical Modalities like Ultrasound and laser techniques reduce pain and inflammation, enhancing tissue healing.

Guidance on avoiding jaw overuse.

Recommendations for a soft food diet during pain episode

TMJ/TMD Treatment Benefits can include:

  • Alleviates jaw pain and discomfort.
  • Reduces facial pain and headaches associated with TMJ Disorder.
  • Relieves facial muscle spasms and tension.
  • Improves chewing function and reduces difficulty in opening the mouth.
  • Restores balance in jaw movement and prevents tendencies to chew on one side.
  • Addresses issues like jaw locking and misalignment.
  • Minimizes auditory symptoms such as ringing in the ear.
  • Mitigates jaw popping, clicking, or grinding noises.
  • Enhances overall oral health and prevents dental problems.
  • Promotes a comfortable and pain-free experience in daily activities.

(TMJ) DISORDER

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder treatment offers personalized care and effective interventions to alleviate discomfort and restore optimal jaw function, helping individuals achieve relief and improved quality of life.

Book Now