Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJ) is chronic pain in the jaw joint, and is estimated to have affected 60 million North Americans. The temporomandibular joint disorder is also referred to as temporomandibular joint syndrome. The joint connects the lower jaw to the skull in front of the ear. Problems in this area can cause head pain, neck pain, facial pain, ear pain, headaches, lock jaw, problems with biting, jaw clicking and popping sounds when you bite. If you suffer from tender jaw muscles, a hindered ability to open or close your mouth, discomfort when chewing or biting, headaches, ear pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and/or facial pain, there’s a high probability you have temporomandibular joint disorder.

What Causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

The jaw joint that you use to open and close your mouth when you talk, chew, yell, yawn and bite can become inflamed. It can be caused by a number of factors:

Grinding or clenching teeth

A poorly aligned bite

Trauma to the face or jaw

Poor posture

Excessive gum chewing

To determine the cause and severity of TMD, visit our dental practice in Guelph for a consultation to learn about the options you have to help alleviate your pain.

How To Correct Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

TMD causes pain and discomfort, but you have options to alleviate your pain with careful treatment. There are a number of options to reduce muscle tension, stabilize your bite and help mitigate your pain through:

Correction of bite alignment

Bite guards or night guards

Anti-inflammatory medication

Physical therapy

Neuromuscular dentistry

Surgery (only in cases of more severe pain)

Contact Woolwich Dental for assistance in fixing your TMD. We can help alleviate your discomfort by creating a custom plan for your needs. Give us a call to book your consultation today.