TMD (TMJ)

TMD Information

TMD or TMJ disorders cause tenderness and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the joint on each side of your head in front of your ears, where your lower jawbone meets your skull.

This joint allows you to talk, chew and yawn.

Some of the signs of the disorder are pain and tenderness around your ear, aching pain in the muscles of the head and neck, headaches, locking of the joint when opening or closing and a clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth.

To help lessen the symptoms avoid overuse of the muscles by eating soft foods, cut your food into small pieces, avoid sticky or chewy foods and do not open your mouth too wide.

TMD Medications And Relief

Applying warm, moist heat to the side of your face may help relax your muscles or alleviate pain.

Over the counter medications may help but often prescription pain-killers and muscle relaxants are needed help manage the pain.

Treatment for the disorder would include a bite guard to wear to prevent grinding and clinching of the teeth, Botox injections to relax the muscles, replacing missing teeth, aligning crooked teeth and jaw surgery.

TMD Medications And Relief

Applying warm, moist heat to the side of your face may help relax your muscles or alleviate pain.

Over the counter medications may help but often prescription pain-killers and muscle relaxants are needed help manage the pain.

Treatment for the disorder would include a bite guard to wear to prevent grinding and clinching of the teeth, Botox injections to relax the muscles, replacing missing teeth, aligning crooked teeth and jaw surgery.