Jaw pain is not normal
If you experience jaw pain regularly, it may feel normal to you. The truth is jaw pain is not normal and can be a sign of TMD, which affects one or both of your TMJs. These joints connect your lower jaw to your skull. When they become inflamed or misaligned, pain and other symptoms follow.
- Headaches
- Earaches or tenderness around the ear
- Pain and tenderness in the face or jaw
- Muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth
What are the signs of TMJ disorder (TMD)?
If you are seeking expert care for jaw pain, our Etobicoke Dentist team is here to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.
How do we diagnose and treat TMJ disorder?
Diagnosis
Treatment starts with a thorough clinical exam. We check your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During your appointment, we look for pain, tenderness, and listen for clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If TMD is diagnosed, a bite splint or night guard is usually recommended first.
Treatment and relief
We use bite splints, which are custom made plastic mouthpieces fitting over your upper or lower teeth. These devices stop grinding and clenching that often cause or worsen TMD. The splint also helps realign your jaw and reduce stress in the surrounding areas.
Alternative treatment options
If your symptoms come from a misaligned bite or missing teeth, we may suggest orthodontics or dental restorations. Sometimes reshaping teeth is necessary to balance bite forces and relieve pressure on the TMJs.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ refers to the Temporomandibular Joint. When this joint is inflamed or misaligned, it is called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD.
Symptoms include pain or tenderness near the ear, jaw joint, or muscles of the jaw, face, or temples. You may have trouble opening or closing your mouth, or hear clicking, popping, crunching, or grinding sounds when you chew or yawn. TMD can also be linked to neck pain and headaches.
TMD can result from jaw injuries, joint diseases such as arthritis, or habits like tooth clenching and grinding. Muscle tension in the head or neck and stress may worsen symptoms. It is not clear if stress causes TMD or results from it. Poorly fitting dentures and habits like nail biting or chewing pens can also contribute. Because there are many possible causes, TMD can be hard to diagnose. The best way to understand your jaw pain is to schedule an appointment.
Many things can cause headaches. No doctor can determine the cause without a physical exam.
Most TMJ pain is treated effectively without surgery. Surgery is very rare. Your health and comfort matter most to us. We will explain all options, start with the safest and easiest treatments, and let you decide on your next steps.
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