TMJ is an abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint. The TMJ is the hinge that connects the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull. TMJ is also often used to reference TMD, temporomandibular joint disorder.

TMD is an abbreviation for temporomandibular joint disorder. TMD is characterized by numerous symptoms related to the jaw and its supporting structures that include various types of facial and upper body pain and discomfort.

There is a wide scope of symptoms that can be caused directly and indirectly from TMD. These symptoms can include pain or tenderness in the face, neck, or shoulders, issues trying to open your mouth wide, locked jaws, popping sounds in your jaw joint, facial swelling, issues chewing, headaches, dizziness, and more.

There is a multitude of different contributing factors that can cause TMD. Stress in particular, a poor bite, head trauma, bruxism (teeth clenching), poor genetics, bad posture, gum chewing and other habits can all cause TMD.

There are many factors that can cause headaches, however, TMD is one explanation. Stress can contribute to teeth clenching which puts unnecessary pressure on the TMJs. This can start the vicious cycle of muscle spasms, pain and headaches that all lead to TMD.

There is a connection between TMD, chronic headaches and ear ringing. Most patients do experience significant relief from headaches and ear ringing after a proper course of TMD treatment, but there is no way to guarantee complete prevention of these symptoms.

Yes, each phase of TMD treatment is designed to alleviate chronic pain while addressing the stability of your chewing system. Once treatment is complete, facial pain stemming from TMJ health issues should be resolved. If you are still experiencing facial pain after successful TMD treatment, another condition may be the underlying cause. Please contact your dentist to further evaluate what is causing your facial pain.

If you are experiencing popping jaw joints, it is possible that you have TMD. This symptom alone is not enough to properly diagnose a patient. Many patients experience intermittent clicking in their jaw joints, so popping shouldn’t cause any alarm. The only way to determine if you have TMD is by an oral examination by your dentist. If you’re experiencing other related symptoms, it is important to schedule an oral examination as soon as possible.

Since TMD has so many symptoms that can also implicate other health conditions, the only way to properly diagnose TMD is by your dentist. Your dentist will conduct a comprehensive oral exam in addition to going through your medical history in order to draw the right conclusion.

Using the Tee-MD devices will help alleviate your symptoms and work on about 80% of patients.

Understanding the problem, application of heat, jaw exercises, anti-inflammatory medications and monitoring what helps you are all useful protocols.

Use of the Jaw Space App

There are numerous exercises that can help relieve your jaw pain. Here are a few examples:

• Push down on your bottom teeth with one hand while pushing upwards with your jaw

• Place your thumb below your chin while pressing lightly on the chin bone. Slowly open your mouth, working against the resistance from your thumb.

• Cross your arms across your chest with a hand on each shoulder. Stretch your neck backward, then to the right. Switch sides.

• Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth and slowly open your jaw without moving your tongue.

We’re committed to finding the right non-surgical options that work long-term and optimize your chewing system. More conservative, non-surgical options are engineered to reduce the pressure on the TMJ, alleviate pain, and promote regular activity. Surgery is often the last line of defense and is very rarely needed for TMD.

In our experience, dental insurance does not cover the cost of the devices.

Your jaw joints are constantly moving and under stress, making it possible for the condition to return. There are preventative measures that can be taken to lower your risk of experiencing TMD again. Your dentist can always treat recurring systems with similar, conservative methods.

Being conscious of high-risk activity that contributes to TMD is important. Minimising stress and your response to stress, understanding that clenching your jaw, grinding teeth, chronic gum chewing, resting your chin in your hand, poor posture, yawning too wide, and chewing on ice or pens can all contribute to TMD. Lowering these behaviors can help prevent TMD. Many TMD patients suffer from anxiety and stress which lead to jaw clenching and teeth grinding– properly addressing your stress and anxiety can be beneficial for overall and TMJ health.

While TMD is more common among patients in their 20s to 40s, children can develop TMD. Making sure your child regularly goes to biannual dental exams can ensure TMD is diagnosed properly.