According to the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) affects 8-12 percent of Canadians. If this is you, let’s start by understanding what the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is before delving into its disorder. 

The TMJ is situated in front of your ears, linking your jaw to your skull. This remarkable joint facilitates the movement of your jaw in various directions—up and down, side to side. Serving as one of the body’s most intricate joints, its essential role is to enable you to speak and eat. Let’s explore how we can address any concerns you may have about your TMJ health. 

Several factors can contribute to the disorder of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), potentially affecting your comfort and well-being. Here are some common causes to be mindful of: 

• • Injury to the Jaw: When the muscles and tendons in the jaw are injured, they can become weakened, leading to chronic pain during movement. 
  • Teeth Misalignment: Improper alignment of teeth can prevent optimal biting forces, causing stress on the jaw during movements. 
  • Fingernail Biting: Habitual fingernail biting can force the lower jaw out of its natural resting position, subjecting the jaw to prolonged stress and resulting in discomfort or pain. 
  • Worn, Loose, or Missing Teeth: The loss of a tooth or teeth can redistribute forces, leading to imbalanced use of jaw power, resulting in pain and other symptoms. 
  • Bruxism (Clenching, Grinding): Continuous clenching and grinding of teeth can stress and tighten the jaw muscles, preventing relaxation. 
  • Incorrect Posture: Misalignment of the neck and jaw can exert undue pressure on the jaws, leading to discomfort and pain. 
  • Poorly Fitted Dentures: Ill-fitting dentures can cause gum sores, pain, and disrupt optimum jaw alignment during chewing and talking. 
  • Stress: Stress, in addition to its other symptoms, can manifest in jaw discomfort and pain, often associated with bruxism. 
  • Arthritis: Arthritis can affect the jawbone, causing pain and impacting jaw movement. Dental x-rays can be instrumental in early detection. 
  • Chewing Gum: Constant and prolonged chewing of gum can fatigue and tighten jaw muscles, leading to symptoms such as pain. 

If you’re experiencing any of these common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), reaching out to us at (905) 625-5751 is a crucial step. Many cases can be diagnosed and effectively treated in our dental office. If you recognize any of the following signs, don’t hesitate to get in touch: 

• • Headaches (sometimes severe) 
  • Pain or pressure behind the eyes 
  • Earaches or pain around one or both ears 
  • Ringing in the ears 
  • Temple-area pain 
  • Pain in one or both jaw joints 
  • Tenderness of the jaw muscles
  • Aching facial pain
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Muscle spasms in the jaw
  • Shoulder pain
  • A click or pop when you open and close your mouth
  • Pain when yawning, opening the mouth widely, or chewing
  • Jaws that lock open
  • Change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
  • Jaw pain when eating
  • And more! 

Dealing with the complexity of TMD can be challenging, but we’re here to guide you towards restoring harmony in your jaw. Our range of therapies is designed with your well-being in mind, aiming to effectively reduce or eliminate muscle tension, help you regain a stable bite, and promote the restorative healing of your jaw joint. Our goal is to eliminate the pain and enhance your overall comfort. Let’s work together to find the right approach for your unique needs. 

As your Mississauga dental clinic, our approach to diagnosing and treating TMD prioritizes your well-being. 

To diagnose TMD, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of your joints and muscles. This involves a thorough oral examination, a review of your medical history, and the use of radiographs. We believe in open communication, so we’ll discuss our findings with you transparently. If TMD is identified, we’ll collaborate to create a personalized treatment plan that suits your unique situation. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and we’re here to guide you through the process with care and expertise.