Temporomandibular Joint

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the jaw joint. It is a ball and socket joint like your knee. It allows the jaw to open and close, move sideways, and forwards and backwards. This allows us to chew, talk and yawn.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects one or both of your joints.

It may present as discomfort, tension in the jaw, perhaps combined with headaches, neck pain and earaches. There may be limited jaw movement, clicking and sounds from the jaw joints.

TMD causes can vary from missing teeth; stress; trauma and injury of the TMJ; degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

A thorough dental examination with diagnostic records are required to determine TMD.

Treatment is approached conservatively with simple changes such as opting for a softer diet, avoiding chewing gum, warm or cold packs to help release tension, fabrication of a customised occlusal splint (nightguard).

A multi-disciplinary approach involving a physiotherapist, stress management may be required to help relieve symptoms and modify behaviour which could exacerbate TMD.