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Month: August 2021

August 14, 2021

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a disorder that affects your temporomandibular joint, which is what connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes injured or damaged, it can lead to TMJ and pretty painful symptoms. To help you get TMJ treatment in Toronto Beaches sooner rather than later, our team at Toronto Beach Dental has compiled a list of signs that you may be suffering from TMJ.

1. Waking Up with Migraines or Headaches

In case you were wondering, it is not normal to wake up with a headache every morning, and it is usually a sign that something else is going on. One of the most common causes of frequent headaches in the morning is TMJ disorder. If you notice that you are suffering from headaches several times a week, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with a dentist near you.

2. Clicking or Popping Sounds

When you open or close your mouth, do you notice that your jaw makes a popping or clicking sound? If so, this is another sign that you may benefit from TMJ treatment near you. This sound is actually the sound of the disc inside the TMJ shifting in the wrong position.

3. Cracked, Worn, or Broken Teeth

When your muscles, jaw joints, and teeth do not work correctly together, it creates an imbalance bite. When your top and bottom teeth join, this misalignment can cause pressure on certain teeth and cause them to crack or break. Additionally, those who suffer from TMJ disorder tend to grind and clench their teeth, wearing them down and damaging them. If you visit your dentist in Toronto Beaches for regular checkups and cleanings, they can tell you if they notice signs of wear from clenching or grinding.

4. Ear Pain, Ringing in the Ears, or Clogged Ears

Since the temporomandibular joint rests just below the ears, it is not uncommon for those with TMJ disorder to complain of symptoms in their ears. Patients can experience ear pain or clogged ears that may be passed off as an ear infection but is actually due to TMJ.

5. Shoulder, Neck, Jaw, and Head Pain

Sometimes, those with TMJ disorder may experience pain in seemingly random areas of their body. Most patients will notice pain specifically in their jaw and head, but it can also occur in the neck and shoulders. Some patients even notice sinus pain or ear pressure. The pain travels to all of these spots because the TMJ is located near various nerves that connect to all of these places. The muscles in your face are also connected to the muscles in your neck and shoulders, so when your TMJ is not working correctly, it can cause referred pain down your body.

Visit Toronto Beach Dental

If you have noticed any of the above signs, it may be a good idea to visit a dentist to determine if TMJ disorder is the culprit. Living with TMJ pain can be a real hindrance to everyday life. At Toronto Beach Dental, we are happy to provide you with comprehensive examinations and options for TMJ treatment. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us and book an appointment today.

Posted in Blog by Jade