The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. It is one of the most complex and frequently used joints in the body, allowing you to talk, chew, and yawn. When this joint or the surrounding muscles malfunction, it leads to a group of conditions called TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders).
Symptoms of TMD
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, ear, or temple area.
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening the mouth.
- The jaw getting "stuck" or locked in an open or closed position.
- Frequent headaches or migraines, especially in the morning.
- Difficulty chewing.
The Main Culprit: Bruxism
The most common cause of jaw pain is Bruxism, which is grinding or clenching your teeth. Most people do this subconsciously during sleep, often triggered by stress or anxiety. The force exerted during sleep grinding can be up to 6 times greater than during normal chewing!
This excessive force strains the jaw muscles, inflames the joint, and wears down tooth enamel (making teeth flat and sensitive).
Experiencing these symptoms?
Delaying treatment can lead to tooth loss. We have slots available today.
Treatment Options
1. Soft Diet: Give your jaw a holiday. Avoid chewy foods (bagels, steak, gum) for 2 weeks. Eat soft foods like pasta, eggs, and soup.
2. Warm Compresses: Apply heat to the side of the face to relax tight muscles.
3. Ibuprofen: Reduces inflammation in the joint.
Meet Dr. Yasha Shirazi
Principal Dentist at Emergency Dentist London
"We treat hundreds of dental emergencies every month. The sooner you come in, the easier the fix usually is."
Book an appointment with our team →4. Michigan Splint (Night Guard): This is the gold standard treatment. We construct a custom-made hard acrylic splint that fits over your teeth while you sleep. It protects your teeth from wear and positions your jaw in a relaxed state, breaking the grinding habit.
If you have a locked jaw (can't open or close), this is an emergency. We can perform manual manipulation to reduce the dislocation and provide immediate relief.