TMD Treatment
What is TMD?
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition affecting the jaw joints and surrounding muscles and ligaments. These joints are located on both sides of the jaw near each ear and connect the jawbone to the skull. They are two of the most frequently used joints in the body and play a significant role in eating, speaking, and making facial expressions.
What are some of the causes of TMD?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can be caused by many factors, including teeth grinding, a misaligned bite, dislocation of the TMJ, trauma, arthritis, and wear and tear of the cartilage disks that pad the TMJ.
What are some of the symptoms of TMD?
You may have TMD if you have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness associated with chewing, clenching, or yawning felt just in front of the ear. TMD pain may be periodic or constant and is usually a dull aching pain. TMD pain is often located on one side of your jaw but can involve both.
- Limited mobility in your jaw joint. This can cause difficulty in eating or speaking due to limited opening. This limited mobility may be due to muscle tightness and/or pain on movement.
- Periodic or constant noises such as clicking and popping or grating from your jaw joint(s).
- Headaches in the back of the head and neck, often referring pain to the forehead, a frontal headache. Headaches caused by TMD can often be in the temples.
- Pain in the teeth, neck, shoulder, jaws
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
Who is affected by TMD?
TMD is common among adults between the ages of 20 and 40.
What is the treatment for TMD?
TMD treatment can take the form of custom mouthguards or night guards, jaw exercises or TMJ bite therapy. We can help you alleviate painful TMJ symptoms and restore full functionality to these important joints.
For more information or to book an appointment, contact a Dental Choice clinic near you. We’re here to help.