Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, commonly called “TMJ,” are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. We don’t know for certain how many people have TMJ disorders, but the condition appears to be more common in women than men.
Symptoms associated with TMJ disorders include:
- Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort
- Clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth
- Dull, aching pain in the face
- Earaches
- Migraine Headaches
- Jaw pain or tenderness of the jaw
- Locking of the jaw
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
What causes TMJ disorders?
Trauma to the jaw or temporomandibular joint plays a role in some TMJ disorders. This can be as a result of motor vehicle accidents, a blow to the jaw, sport injuries or trauma.
Non-Surgical Treatment of TMJ Disorders in Toronto
After a proper assessment and diagnosis, Dr. Kwan may recommend an oral appliance, also called a stabilization splint or bite guard, which is a plastic guard that fits over the upper or lower teeth.
Stabilization splints are the most widely used treatments for TMJ disorders. They offer a conservative, non-surgical and reversible approach to TMD therapy. They provide immediate pain relief and do not cause permanent changes in your bite. If a splint causes or increases pain, stop using it and talk to Dr. Kwan.