Headaches And TMD/TMJ Relief From Toronto’s Dental Expert Dr. Aksana Tkachenko

How Is TMD Treated?

Typically, the symptoms of TMD are resolved without any actual treatment. However, to ease the symptoms, patients may try gently massaging the jaw muscles or placing either a hot or cold compress on their jaw. Additionally, sticking to a soft diet or cutting your food into smaller pieces can help alleviate the symptoms. It’s also best to avoid hard, sticky or chewy food.

At the same time, we recommend relaxing your jaws as much as possible and not opening your mouth too wide, especially when yawning.

When your jaw is perfectly relaxed, your teeth should be just slightly separated, your tongue should be resting on the bottom of your palette just in front of your bottom teeth, and your lips should either be just touching or slightly separated. Other than when you’re chewing, speaking, or swallowing, there should always be a slight gap between your lower and upper teeth.

If you’re having trouble keeping your jaw relaxed, many find it helpful to put the tip of their tongue just behind their upper front teeth. This works to create a “natural splint,” which will pressure the jaw muscles.

Additionally, many people clench or grind their teeth at night. This problem is often exacerbated by stress, which tends to disrupt our sleep. In this case, the best treatment is generally to adhere to a better sleep regimen, which should reduce night-time clenching, alleviating the symptoms of TMD.

How Can Chroma Dental Help with TMD?

After a thorough oral examination, which typically includes x-rays, your dentist will be able to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for you.

In many cases, a nightguard, or occlusal splint, may be recommended. These are typically made of clear plastic, which will prevent you from grinding your teeth together while you sleep. In turn, the splint will also keep your teeth slightly separated, which will help your jaw relax while it is worn.

In some cases, an upper and lower splint will be recommended. However, a detailed exam is needed to determine if this is the case. If the issue is being caused by occlusion, wearing a splint will typically reduce symptoms over the first few days and weeks.

Alternatively, if the issue is caused by cartilage or bone degeneration from arthritis, wearing a splint will often partially reduce symptoms by reducing the force applied to the joint.

In some cases, TMD is the result of a poorly fitting denture or partial denture. Therefore, amending the appliance may also help reduce symptoms.

What If an Occlusal Splint Doesn’t Help?

For those who continue to suffer from TMD symptoms, we may be able to refer you to a specialist who deals with severe cases of the condition. This might be an oral surgeon, depending on your condition’s severity.

Regardless, as we’ve already mentioned, a thorough exam is the best course of action, allowing you to determine the best treatment for you.

Are You Suffering From TMD/TMJ? Contact Chroma Dental Today!

Here at Chroma Dental, we truly understand the pain and discomfort associated with the symptoms of TMD, which is precisely why we’re dedicated to helping you find relief as soon as possible.
Contact us today!