The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull, in front of the ears, on either side of the face. This is essential in allowing us to chew, speak, swallow, and create facial expressions.

TMJ Disorders:

If you are experiencing discomfort particularly when chewing, difficulty opening your mouth, notice a clicking or grinding noise when opening and closing; there may be inflammation of either the joint or surrounding muscles. In some cases, dysfunction in the TMJ can lead to headaches, earaches and pain through your neck and shoulders.

What are the treatment options?

Fortunately, numerous treatment options are available that are effective in relieving the discomfort associated with TMJ. If your discomfort is arising from an improper bite or crooked teeth, orthodontics may be the solution. If you habitually grind your teeth at night, a grinding splint may alleviate symptoms by minimising the strain placed on your muscles. If an injury to the jaw is the source of the pain, the dentists may teach you specific exercises that are used to strengthen the surrounding muscles, which if performed correctly can aid with jaw locking and pain.