TMJIf you’ve had jaw pain for a while now you may have been hoping the problem was only temporarily and would eventually go away on its own. However, if the problem has continued without any relief then TMJ could be to blame. This condition usually affects people between the ages of 20 to 50, but can happen to anyone. If you have noticed pain or stiffness when chewing or you experience frequent headaches in the morning, then talk to your Winnipeg dentist about whether you might have TMJ.

What is TMJ?

This muscular disorder affects the temporomandibular joint, which links the jaw to the side of the head. This, in turn affects the chewing muscles, causing significant discomfort.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

TMJ presents with a variety of different symptoms and you may experience one or all of these. The most common symptom is pain while chewing or talking, and the pain may even radiate throughout your face or neck. You may also experience stiffness in the jaw muscle, limited jaw mobility or notice a clicking or popping sound when you open and close your jaw.

What causes TMJ?

Direct trauma to the jaw or the joint itself can cause TMJ; however, for most people with TMJ no specific cause is usually found. Women tend to have TMJ more often than men, so some researchers believe that TMJ disorders and female hormones could possibly be linked.

How does your Winnipeg dentist treat TMJ?

While certain over-the-counter pain medications may offer temporary relief from your symptoms, if you don’t notice a significant change in your pain talk to us about certain muscle relaxants or prescription pain medications that might help alleviate your TMJ symptoms.

We also offer a stabilization splint, which is a plastic oral appliance that goes over both the upper and lower teeth. This is the most common treatment option for TMJ and it is often the most effective in reducing pain.

Call Dental Designs Today!

If you need relief from your TMJ-related symptoms, then talk to your Winnipeg dentist today about treatment options that could help alleviate your pain. Call us today!

Are you a patient of Dental Designs? If so, we would love to hear about your experiences below!