Have you ever had an ache in your jaw that just won’t go away? That pain could be an early warning sign of TMD – temporomandibular joint disorder. TMD affects approximately 5–12% of adults, usually starting between 20 to 40 years old.

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint located just in front of your ears on either side of your head that connects your jawbone to your skull. Responsible for chewing, swallowing, yawning and speaking, this joint is one of the most important and complex in your body. When problems manifest with the bones, muscles, ligaments or other tissue in the area, that often is an indicator of a TMD.

Common symptoms of TMDs include:

• Pain or tenderness in the ear and/or jaw

• Stiffness in the jaw

• Clicking, popping or crunching in the jaw

• Ringing in the ears, which may appear alongside dizziness or hearing loss

• Less commonly, neck pain and headaches

The causes of TMDs can be as complex as the tissues they affect, arising from a combination of factors like injuries, diseases that affect the jaw like arthritis, tooth clenching and grinding (known as bruxism), and possibly even stress. Habits like biting your nails or chewing on pencils and ill-fitting dentures could also be contributing factors.  

Most TMDs tend to resolve themselves on their own after a week or two. Generally, long-lasting issues can be treated non-surgically by:

• Eating soft foods

• Performing regular jaw stretching and strengthening exercises

• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen

• Reducing contributing factors like nail biting.  

In the most severe cases, surgical intervention could be required, though that’s typically considered a last resort.  

If tooth grinding is a significant factor in your TMD, your dentist may recommend the use of a night guard (also called an occlusal splint). This clear plastic shield fits over top of the biting surfaces and keeps your teeth from clenching together. Regular use of a night guard often helps jaw joints and muscles to relax, as well as protects your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding them while you sleep.  

For TMDs, other devices, such as a Gelb splint, (also known as a MORA – mandibular orthopedic repositioning appliance), can be made for you. This device moves the lower jaw forward which takes pressure off the jaw joint and relieves the inflammation that causes pain.  

If you experience any symptoms associated with TMDs, it’s best to get evaluated by your dentist sooner than later, so that we can provide a treatment plan or referral to a physiotherapist or behavioural therapist, as needed. We make booking your next appointment easy – all you have to do is use the orange Book Online button on our website.