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TMJ Disorders: Symptoms, Causes & What You Can Do About It

June 23, 2022/in blog-main, service-blog /by admin

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, or the jaw joint. Each person has two, one in front of each ear. The TMJ is the joint formed by the temporal bone of the skull with the lower jaw or mandible. This is the most highly used joint in the body. It moves every time we chew, talk or swallow. Unlike the shoulder or knee, which are ball-and-socket joints, the TMJ is a sliding joint. The sliding allows for pressure placed on the joint to be distributed throughout the joint and not just in one area.

Between the two bones that make up the TMJ is a disc, just like those between the bones on your back. Made primarily of cartilage, in the TMJ the disc acts like a third bone. Because it is attached to a muscle, the disc actually moves with certain movements.

Properly Functioning TMJ

A TMJ disorder is a disruption in the action of the jaw, usually accompanied by pain. There are a number of conditions affecting the function of the jaw that can cause one of these disorders. Fortunately, since the jaw is made up of bone and other living tissue, it is alive, making it capable of repair and healing. However, any malfunction prevents the complex system of muscles, bones and joints from working together in harmony. The result is a TMJ disorder – also known as TMD or CMD (cranio-mandibular dysfunction). Generally, a malfunction of one or both of these jaw joints is caused by trauma, whiplash, bad bite (malocclusion), poor posture, teeth grinding or skeletal malformation. It is estimated that one in every four people suffer from TMJ symptoms.

Displaced TMJ

 

People with TMJ problems generally experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Chronic recurring headaches
  • Clicking, popping or grating sound in the jaw joints
  • Earaches, congestion or ringing ears
  • Limited jaw opening or locking
  • Dizziness
  • Pain when chewing
  • Neck and/or throat pain
  • Difficulty in closing the teeth together
  • Tired, tight jaws
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Tenderness and pain in muscles of the face and neck
  • Swallowing difficulty
  • Pain in the tongue, gums or cheek muscles
  • Teeth grinding or clenching

TMJ can be treated using a nightguard specifically for TMJ, or a TMJ appliance.
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Holly
Medical Device Reprocessing Technician


Holly is the quiet presence at the back of our office that ensures everything is running smoothly and efficiently. You might see her as you walk by the sterilization area busy at work. Outside of the office she is a mom of two beautiful young children and enjoys spending lots of outdoor time with them.

Nanita
Registered Dental Hygienist


With each patient interaction Nanita’s goal is to create a stress free environment for their dental visit. She loves seeing her patients leave smiling with confidence and educating them with the tools so they can reach their optimal dental health.

Outside of the office, Nanita is a busy Mom of 2 amazing kids and a Star Stylist with Stella & Dot. She also loves to travel and cook.

Anissa
Registered Dental Hygienist


Anissa has the magical ability to put everyone at ease. She provides excellent care with warmth and kindness and always shows a genuine interest to get to know her patients. Her expertise and knowledge extends not only periodontal procedures but orthodontics as well.

Guelph is home to Anissa’s entire family. She built many relationships throughout the community.

Stephanie
Registered Dental Hygienist and Oromyofunctional Therapist


Stephanie has a witty sense of humour that puts everyone at ease. You can often hear the laughter coming from her operatory during appointments. She is committed to educating patients about their oral health and motivating them to reach their optimal oral and overall wellness.

Stephanie is also a Myofunctional Provider. She teaches breathing retraining and assesses for any oral muscular dysfunction of lip posture, tongue posture and swallowing. Once correct habits and function have been instilled, then development can reach its full potential.

Stephanie stays very busy with her three boys and enjoys traveling the world.

Teresa
Certified Dental Assistant


Teresa has many years of working in the Guelph dental community. She is all heart and always goes the extra mile to make patients feel comfortable. Her skill and Italian flare make her so enjoyable to be around and integral part of our dental team.

Elaine
Certified Dental Assistant


Elaine has over 30 years experience as a dental assistant (or 99 years as you will often hear her say). She has been working at Harvard Rd Dental Care right from the beginning! Her positive attitude and contagious smile always puts patients at ease. She prides herself on helping educate patients about their oral and dental health and how it relates to their overall wellness. Her greatest joy is being an Omi to her granddaughter, Addison.

Kailynne
Dental Receptionist


Kailynne is probably the kindest person you will ever meet. Always eager to help patients and everyone in the office. She will always greet with a sweet smile while making every effort to make your visit positive.

Kailynne enjoys spending time with her family and loves being with her dog Oliver.

Laurie
Dental Receptionist/Office Manager


Your first interaction at our office will likely be with Laurie. Laurie’s warmth and love of dentistry is apparent in every interaction. All questions are always happily taken care of with Laurie at the helm of our administrative team.

Laurie grew up in Puslinch and is married with 3 children. She truly enjoys yoga, weight lifting and target shooting. Laurie is also very interested in a holistic approach to nourishing and taking care of the body.