Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder

At our Montreal Dental Clinic, Clinique Dentaire Rosemont, we provide treatment and relief for patients who are experiencing pain in their Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ) or who have Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). So, what exactly is TMD?

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What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)?

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) refers to the acute or chronic inflammation of your temporomandibular joint or TMJ.

The TMJ is the ball-and-socket joint is located near your ear on either side of you head where the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) meet. It is one of the most frequently used joints in your body, and it connects your jaw to your skull enabling you to move your jaw so that you can bite, chew, talk, and yawn.

Problems can occur if your jaw pivots when opening or closing or during a lateral movement. This affects the TMJ and the chewing muscles and causes TMD. TMD can result in significant pain and impairment.

Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

You may have TMD if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Biting or chewing discomfort or difficulty
  • Earache without infection, particularly in the morning
  • Headaches or migraines, particularly in the morning
  • Jaw pain or tenderness, particularly when chewing, biting or yawning
  • Clicking, popping or grating sound when opening and closing the mouth
  • Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
  • Locking or stiffening of the jaw when speaking, yawning or eating
  • Teeth sensitivity with no observed dental problem
  • Hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Dizziness

Causes of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Here are some of the more common causes of TMD:

  • Teeth clenching or grinding (Bruxism)
  • Chewing gum
  • Habits such as biting your nails or pen/pencil
  • Misalignment of teeth
  • Holding the telephone between your head and your shoulder
  • Stress
  • Exhaustive effort
  • Severe blow to the jaw
  • Gum problems
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Poor posture of head, neck and shoulders (i.e.: while sitting at the computer)
  • Partial or full dentures that do not fit correctly

Next Steps

Many people experience persistent jaw pain or tenderness and think that this is normal. It is not! 
According to Dr Toby De Palma Chevalier et Dr Miguel Ste-Marie, TMD can be quite painful and impact your quality of life.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and are located in our area, be sure to contact our
 Montreal dental clinic today: