Treating Jaw Pain & Headaches

The TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) is a hinge that connects your jaw to your skull's temporal bones. It allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side, allowing you to talk and eat.

TMJ Disorder (or TMD) is caused by problems with the jaw and the muscles in your face, resulting in symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and ringing in the ears. It can cause chronic pain, bone loss, gum tissue changes, and loose teeth if left untreated.

Other factors that may contribute to the disorder, besides misalignment of the teeth and/or jaw, include skull shape, genetics, airway issues, and injury or trauma to the jaw.

TMJ Disorder Treatment

Our dentists at Antigonish Family Dentistry can test, diagnose, and treat TMJ Disorder.

Treatment may include sleeping with a mouth guard to prevent clenching and grinding.

To encourage the face and jaw muscles to relax, your dentist may also recommend relaxation techniques, physical therapy, or a TENS machine (an electrical stimulus device).

Orthodontic treatment may be required in some cases to correct underlying misalignment issues. Our dentists will collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

TMJ Disorder can cause a host of painful symptoms because your compromised jaw muscles have to work extra hard to do their job. Common symptoms include:

Headaches and migraines
Teeth grinding (usually during sleep)
Jaw, face and/or neck pain
Ringing in the ears
Dizziness

If you are experiencing any symptoms, contact us for a proper diagnosis from a dentist.

TMJ Disorder Treatment

Treating Jaw Pain & Headaches

TMJ Disorder Treatment

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

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