TMJ (TMD) Therapy
TMJ (TMD) Therapy for Oakville Patients with Jaw Problems
Does your jaw pop? At Oak Park Dental, we sometimes see patients in Oakville with jaw problems. These problems may be part of a group of disorders known as temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders – “TMD” for short. These disorders affect the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.
While millions of people all over the world suffer from chronic headaches, few of them relate these headaches to a possible issue with their jaw joints. What many people don’t know is that issues with your temporomandibular joint can cause facial, neck and shoulder pain. Likewise, improper bite, clenching/grinding, and/or muscle spasms of the face and neck can attribute to a persistent headache.
These issues are usually more common in women than men, but if you’ve noticed the following symptoms, you may want to ask your dentist about TMD:
Headaches
Chronic fatigue
Clenching and grinding (bruxism) teeth
Jaw getting stuck open or closed
Shoulder, neck, and ear pain
Hearing loss and ringing in the ears
Difficulty or inability to open your jaw wide
Click or popping sound in the jaw when opening or closing
Your temporomandibular joint is considered one of the most complex joint systems in your entire body. The joint, and the ligaments and muscles attach to it, allow you to perform everyday critical functions like eat, yawn, chew, swallow, and talk.
What Causes this Condition?
Many things can cause joint problems. Currently, we know that the following things may be related to jaw disorders:
Injuries and disease, such as arthritis
Clenching and grinding of teeth
Muscle tension in the head and neck
Partial or full dentures that do not fit properly
Unhealthy habits like fingernail biting
Fortunately, most people with TMDs get better on their own. Simple things you can do to recover include:
- Massaging and relaxing the jaw muscles, using a cold or warm compress if necessary
- Avoiding opening your mouth too wide, including during yawns
- Avoiding large pieces of food and food that is too hard or sticky to chew
How do you know if your jaw is relaxed enough? When relaxed, your teeth should be slightly apart and your tongue should be on the bottom floor of your mouth. A slight gap between your upper and lower teeth when you are relaxed is normal.
How Can I Treat My Jaw?
At Oak Park Dental, we see patients with jaw problems in Oakville and have experience advising them on how to recover. Treatment for persistent TMD may include physiotherapy, chiropractic, or behaviour therapy. Medication may be used for pain, inflammation, and tense muscles.
If you think you may have a jaw problem, visit Oakville’s Oak Park Dental. Our team is ready to assist you.
