Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

Do you have a sore jaw and face? We can help.

At Yam Dental, our professional and talented team can assess and treat your uncomfortable and painful Temporomandibular Joint Disorder issues and symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of TMD:

  • Headaches, particularly in the morning

  • Pain or tenderness of the jaw muscles

  • Pain or tenderness in and around the ear and the face

  • Clicking, popping, crunching or grinding noise when opening or closing the mouth

  • Difficulty or pain in chewing, yawning or opening wide

  • Neck pain

  • Earache in the absence of an ear infection

Dentist looking at jaw x-ray

Possible Causes of TMD:

  • Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)

  • Jaw injuries

  • Joint disease

  • Arthritis

  • Head and muscle tension

  • Stress

  • Ill fitting dentures

Treatments of TMD:

  • Very often, patients with TMD get better by themselves.

  • Cold or warm compresses can be applied to ease sore jaw muscles.

  • Avoid eating hard, sticky and chewy foods including chewing gum

  • Eat a soft diet and cut food up into small pieces.

  • Try not to open the mouth too wide when you yawn

  • Relax your jaw muscles

How can the dentists help?

The diagnosis includes a thorough examination and dental x-rays by the dentists. Sometimes, study models (molds of your teeth) are needed to obtain a record of your chewing and biting pattern.

See our Guards page for more information on night guards and teeth grinding.

Conservative treatments include:

  • Counselling and relaxation therapy

  • Medication to relieve pain, inflammation or tense muscles

  • Correcting the way the teeth fit together

  • Wearing a grinding appliance or night guard

Call us today at (905) 836-0836 for a no charge consultation to learn how we can help you with your sore jaw.