Specialists For TMJ Pain Treatment In Toronto
On each side of your head, there is a point where your lower jaw joins your skull directly in front of your ear. This is the Temporo-Mandibular Joint or TMJ. You exercise this joint every time you talk, eat or swallow.
During your comprehensive dental examination, we check the TMJ to ensure you have proper function.
But TMJ issues are rather common. Nearly 20% of adults experience some kind of TMJ dysfunction. When you have problems with TMJ, the symptoms can include:
A grating sound when you chew
Clicking jaw when you open your mouth
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
An ache or tenderness in the jaws
Clenching jaws or grinding teeth when sleeping
Causes of TMJ problems can include jaw trauma (such as a blow to the jaw), arthritis, bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), a misaligned bite, genetics, muscle tension, bad oral habits (excessive gum chewing, using teeth as tools, biting nails, etc) or degeneration of the joint. If you experience any pain in this joint before or during your visit, please let us know. We’d like to share options to help alleviate any discomfort you may have while talking, chewing, or when you wake up.
Depending on the cause of the TMJ pain, treatment options include:
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy may include exercises to strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles, as well as techniques to improve posture and reduce muscle tension.
Oral Splints or Mouthguards: A custom-fitted oral splint or mouthguard can help reduce teeth grinding and clenching, which are common causes of TMJ pain.
Dietary Changes: Switching to a softer diet with easy-to-chew foods can reduce strain on the jaw.
Botox Injections: In some cases, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections may be used/recommended to relax the jaw muscles and reduce pain.
Stress Management: Stress reduction techniques like relaxation exercises, meditation, or biofeedback may be recommended to alleviate muscle tension associated with stress.
Self-Care and Lifestyle Modifications: Resting your jaw by avoiding excessive chewing or wide mouth openings, applying cold or warm compresses to the affected area, and maintaining good posture to reduce strain on the neck and jaw muscles can all help alleviate pain and discomfort. Avoid habits like teeth grinding, clenching, nail-biting, or chewing gum.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Non-prescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Prescription Medications: In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger pain medications or muscle relaxants to manage severe pain and muscle tension associated with TMJ disorders.
If your dentist recommends you see a specialist, conveniently, they’ll organize a referral for you.