Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as "TMJ syndrome” or “TMJ,” is a group of conditions caused by inflammation or injury to the joint between your skull and your lower jawbone. TMJ can be a painful and confusing disorder, especially when symptoms first begin to appear, but it is treatable through a variety of therapies.
The most common symptoms of TMJ are a popping or clicking sensation in your jaw when you open or close your mouth (you may even hear a “click”), pain around the jaw area or around your eyes, difficulty chewing or swallowing, headaches, or neck pain.
Although TMJ is caused by inflammation, the inflammation itself can be caused by a multitude of factors. The more common causes are clenching teeth, grinding teeth, alignment or bite issues, biting your nails or chewing gum, or disease.
We offer a variety of treatments for TMJ. Treatments seek to reduce the inflammation in the joint both directly and indirectly. Direct treatments include anti-inflammatory medicine, stretches and exercises, or physiotherapy. Indirect treatments focus on the factors causing the inflammation and may include orthodontic treatment, bite appliances, or physiotherapy.
Ask the friendly professionals at Markham Gate Dental Centre about the ways to end the pain and discomfort caused by TMJ syndrome.
Q: How do I know if my symptoms are being caused by TMJ?
Q: My symptoms are getting worse. What am I doing wrong?
