Understanding TMD

TMD refers to the disorder or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or jaw joint, which is located on either side of your skull. The TMJ has big responsibilities on a daily basis, as this joint is what allows you to open and close your mouth and speak, yawn and eat comfortably. When the jaw joint suffers damage or strain, however, the symptoms can present themselves in very disruptive ways. Headaches, ear pain and jaw pain may be solved by a skilled TMJ dentist who understands temporomandibular joint disorder.

Here are some FAQ’s on TMD:

What are the symptoms of TMD?

The symptoms of TMD can vary from person to person. Some may be present in your mouth while others may be felt in your face, head or neck area. According to Delta Dental, the symptoms of TMD can include the following:

• pain in or around the ear
• headaches and neck aches
• tenderness of the jaw or jaw muscles
• jaw pain or soreness that is more prevalent in the morning or late afternoon
• jaw pain when chewing, biting or yawning
• difficulty opening and closing the mouth
• clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth
• sensitive teeth when no other dental problems can be found

What causes TMD?

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) develops due to a variety of conditions that affect the jaw joints on either side of your head as well as surrounding muscles and nerves. TMD occurs when the jaw improperly twists during opening, closing or side-to-side movements. While you may suffer from TMD after a jaw injury or misaligned bite, you can also develop this jaw pain from certain oral habits – such as teeth grinding.

Can stress contribute to TMJ problems?

In many cases, stress does play a major role in TMD. Patients who grind or clench their teeth (known as bruxism) will often trigger or aggravate TMJ strain and inflammation. Bruxism is a subconscious habit that is commonly associated with stress.

What can a dentist do to help?

Once your diagnosis is confirmed, there are many treatment options available. If orthodontic correction or jaw surgery is not necessary, your jaw disorder can often be managed using oral appliance therapy. This is a comfortable, custom-fit mouthguard that can be worn while you sleep to prevent bruxism. This may be all you need to wake up without the painful and disruptive symptoms of TMD.

If you have jaw discomfort that won’t go away with conservative measures at home, we encourage you to call our TMD dentist at Hollon Dental to explore your treatment options.