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TMJ Disorder
General DentistryOral Health
January 2, 2021
2 min read

TMJ Disorders – What Are its Symptoms and Causes?

Dr. Andrew Wong

Dr. Andrew Wong

Up to 25% of all Canadians suffer from some form of TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw to your skull.

These disorders can cause serious chronic health issues like head or neck pain, migraine headaches, and locked jawbones. If you suffer from or think you suffer from one of these disorders, you need relief.

There are ways to achieve TMJ relief at home. Specific TMJ relief exercises and lifestyle changes can help mitigate symptoms.
Check out this guide to learn the causes, symptoms, and relief strategies for TMJ disorders.

TMJ Causes and Symptoms

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), commonly referred to as “TMJ” after the joint’s name, have many different causes. Sometimes people suffer from TMD because of genetics.
You can also develop TMD from teeth grinding or clenching, arthritis, and chronic stress that causes you to clench your teeth and jaw.

TMD’s common symptoms are pain in the face, mouth, neck, shoulder, and jaw when you speak or chew. You may not be able to open your mouth entirely.
If you notice any popping noises when you chew or speak, a tired face feeling, or any swelling, you probably suffer from a type of TMD.

Advanced or severe TMD symptoms include ear ringing, pain that spreads across the whole face and behind the eyes, and chronic migraine headaches.

TMJ Pain Relief

If you believe you suffer from TMD or need TMJ treatment in Edmonton, the best thing you can do is seek advice from a dentist at Heritage Dental.

Our dentists at heritage dental can assess the severity of your TMJ pain and find a solution that’s best fit for you.

TMJ Pain Relief Exercises

While you wait for consultation, there are ways to alleviate TMJ pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers can bring about temporary relief but should only be used when the pain is severe. There are exercises you can do at home to help ease your jaw pain. Here are some of the best.

1) Chin Tucks

This exercise is excellent for immediate minor pain relief. Pull your chin straight back and hold for three seconds. Repeat at least ten times before moving on to your next exercise.

2) Relaxation

Try this to help relax your jaw joints. Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, against your front teeth, and open and close your mouth. For increased relief, press a finger at the joint near the ear.

3) Resistance

For this exercise, place your thumb or finger under your chin. Apply light pressure as you open and close your mouth. When you open your mouth, keep it open for three to five seconds.

TMJ Relief

These exercises go a long way for temporary TMJ relief, but they do not cure the problem. If left untreated, TMD or TMJ can cause many severe issues. Sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression are all related to these disorders.

If you live in the Edmonton area and believe you suffer from TMJ, don’t delay. Heritage Dental Centre offers comprehensive TMJ relief strategies.

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Dr. Andrew Wong
Dr. Andrew Wong
Dr. Wong has over 30 years of experience working with patients of all ages and needs in Edmonton.
Tags:dentistrytmj

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