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, they can cause 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)
Request an Appointment
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
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.
