What are the Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ)?
Located on each side of your face, the temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to your skull. These joints and their accompanying muscles allow you to open and close your mouth, and to move your lower jaw from side to side. You can feel these joints by placing your fingers in front of your ears and opening your mouth.

How do I know if I have Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)?
Those with TMD may experience the following symptoms on one or both sides of
the face:
Jaw pain or soreness that is more prevalent in the morning or late afternoon
Jaw pain associated with chewing, biting, or yawning
Clicking noises when opening and closing the mouth
Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
Locking or stiffness of the jaw when talking, yawning, or eating
Tooth sensitivity not associated with dental problems
Headaches or neck pain
An earache not associated with an ear infection

If you experience any of these symptoms, visit our office for regular checkups to monitor your symptoms and manage your care.

How is TMD treated?
Many TMD cases can be handled with simple lifestyle modifications, including:
Avoiding chewing gum and biting your nails
Taking non-aspirin pain relievers or using heat packs to manage pain
Eating soft foods
Practicing relaxation or stress relief techniques

In more severe cases, the dentist may recommend physical therapy (exercises to strengthen the jaw muscles), appliance therapy (a splint, mouthguard, or bite plate), or medication.