NOW ACCEPTING CDCP PATIENTS

Humber Valley Dental in Bolton now accepts Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) coverage. For more details, please contact our office and our team can get you scheduled at your earliest convenience. You can get more information on the Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP) from the Government of Canada website https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/coverage.html

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Can Correcting Your Bite Help Ease TMJ Pain?

Jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and restricted jaw movements could be signs of temporomandibular joint disorder. Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are jaw joints responsible for the mobility of your jaw. When these joints work properly, your jaw movements are smooth and easy. When they malfunction, it can lead to painful symptoms that disrupt your life. At Humber Valley Dental in Bolton, Ontario, we offer TMJ disorder services to help you manage TMJ pain and improve the quality of your life. Dr. Geeta Gautham answers your questions about TMJ disorder causes, symptoms and treatment here.

What causes TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorders are the result of dysfunction of your TMJs due to inflammation or irritation of the ligaments and muscles in your jaw. This condition can be temporary or long-term, causing mild or severe symptoms. TMJ disorders can be caused by:

Stress
Dental trauma
Bruxism (especially at night)
Dental malocclusions (bad bite)
Missing teeth or teeth in poor condition
Arthritis in your jaw

What symptoms are associated with TMJ disorders?

TMJ disorder symptoms can vary depending on the cause of your condition and its severity. In general, however, you may experience:

Jaw, facial, neck, or shoulder pain
Frequent headaches or migraines
A clicking or popping of your jaw when chewing or opening and closing your mouth
Limited jaw mobility
Earaches or tinnitus (ringing in your ears)

What are my non-surgical options for treatment?

Dr. Gautham and our team may suggest the following non-surgical treatments for symptom management:

Physiotherapy to learn stretching and strengthening exercises for your jaw to help relieve pain and improve jaw flexibility and mobility
Ultrasound or cryotherapy to reduce jaw swelling and improve circulation
OTC pain medication, prescription muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs for temporary pain relief
Lifestyle changes to reduce stress

Call Our Office for More Information

New Patients: (289) 536-4498 | Existing Patients: (905) 857-3398
Request an Appointment

Can correcting your bite help ease TMJ pain?

A bad bite could be one of the causes of your TMJ pain and discomfort. Oral appliances like occlusal splints can help ease your symptoms by improving jaw alignment and adjusting your bite. A custom night guard helps relieve jaw tension and pain by preventing teeth grinding and clenching at night.

After a thorough oral evaluation, Dr. Gautham may recommend replacing old restorations like dental fillings and crowns that may throw off your bite and contribute to TMJ symptoms. Replacing teeth with implants or a bridge can improve your bite if you have missing teeth. Orthodontic treatment can permanently correct jaw alignment and bite issues, providing long-term relief from TMJ symptoms.

How can I reduce my risk of developing TMJ disorder?

While TMJ disorders aren’t always preventable, you can reduce your risk of developing this condition by:

Maintaining good oral hygiene
Avoiding chewing on hard objects or foods
Reducing stress in your life
Living a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and proper relaxation

Where can I go for quality dental TMJ services near me?

Look no further than Humber Valley Dental in Bolton, ON. Contact Dr. Geeta Gautham at (289) 536-4498 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Geeta Gautham

Dr. Geeta Gautham is a respected dentist and owner of Humber Valley Dental. A graduate with Honours from the University of Toronto Dental Program, she specializes in Implant Dentistry, Periodontal Surgery, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Pediatric Dentistry with sedation. Dr. Gautham has received prestigious awards, such as the Kenneth Powell Award and the Associate Fellow Award from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

Her leadership has expanded Humber Valley Dental's services and team, emphasizing patient care and community engagement. She is an Invisalign Platinum Provider and active in professional affiliations.

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