Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and the nerves associated with chronic facial pain. When these muscles, bones and joints aren’t working properly as a team, it can result in TMD.

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the 2 joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. They are the joints that slide and rotate in front of each ear, and consist of the mandible (the lower jaw) and the temporal bone (the side and base of the skull). The TMJs are among the most complex joints in the body. These joints, along with several muscles, allow the mandible to move up and down, side to side, and forward and back. When the mandible and the joints are properly aligned, functions such as chewing, talking, yawning, and swallowing, can take place. When these structures that control the motion of the jaw are not aligned, you may experience symptoms such as:

  • Jaw discomfort or soreness (often most prevalent in the morning or late afternoon)
  • Headaches
  • Pain spreading behind the eyes, in the face, shoulder, neck, and/or back
  • Earaches or ringing in the ears (not caused by an infection of the inner ear canal)
  • Clicking or popping of the jaw
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Limited mouth motions
  • Dizziness
  • Generalized sensitivity of the teeth
  • A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
In many cases, the actual cause of this disorder may not be clear. Sometimes the main cause is excessive strain on the jaw joints and the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. This strain may be a result of bruxism also known as clenching or grinding of the teeth. But trauma to the jaw, the head, or the neck may also cause TMD. Arthritis and displacement of the jaw joint disks can also cause TMD pain.

Depending on your situation, our dentists will explain your treatment options, which may include:

  • Resting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
  • Medicine or pain relievers
  • Relaxation techniques and stress management
  • Behavior changes (to reduce or stop bruxing)
  • Physical therapy
  • Nightguard or splint
  • Posture training
  • Diet changes (to rest the jaw muscles)
  • Ice and hot packs
  • Botox
  • Surgery
If you’re suffering from any of the above symptoms, the dentists at Beulah Dental will use the latest diagnostic techniques and equipment to assess and manage your condition.
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