Your temporomandibular joint is TMJ.
TMJ is a hinge that allows us to move our jaw up and down, side to side, and back and forth.
TMD is TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorder is common in 15% of adults between 20-40 years old and is more common in women than men.
In simple terms, we have two TMJ joints and their function is to attach our lower jaw (mandibular jaw) to our skull. Sometimes the joint gets out of line, or displaced, and this causes a restriction of movement and possible discomfort.
Symptoms of TMD include:
- Pain in one or both jaw joints
- Earaches
- Facial pain/neck pain
- Stiffness of the facial muscles
- Teeth that don’t fit together properly
- Clicking/popping of the joint when opening or chewing
- Jaw that tires easily
Causes of TMD include:
- Injury or dislocated jaw
- Crooked teeth
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Arthritis in the joint
Treatment of TMD includes:
- Taking over the counter pain relievers/anti-inflammatory medications/muscle relaxants
- Applying hot and cold compresses
- Eating softer foods
- Avoiding chewing gum
- Getting a night guard, or splint, and wearing it to relax the jaw
- Botox injections
- Massage therapy
- Reducing stress levels through exercise and meditation
- Orthodontic treatment to correct crooked teeth
- Arthroscopy to remove scar tissue caused by arthritis
If you, or someone in your family, is suffering from TMD, contact Dr. Simon Pong Dentistry. We can help you find a solution.
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