Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD, refers to a collection of symptoms involving the jaw joint. Some symptoms include pain, locking or a “click” in the joint. These symptoms can develop for many different reasons. A clenching or grinding habit can stress the TM joint as well as trauma and arthritic conditions.

There are many TMD treatment options. Some TMD conditions respond well to medications such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants. Other individuals might require bite adjustment (grinding the biting surfaces of the teeth), orthodontics, or fabrication of a specialized bite splint (such as a hard acrylic nightguard to help stop clenching and grinding while sleeping). If these treatments are not sufficient to alleviate the TMD symptoms, referral to an oral surgeon may be recommended.

Ways to reduce TMD symptoms at home include keeping your teeth apart while at rest during the day, avoiding hard foods, avoiding gum chewing or other similar repetitive jaw movements, maintaining good posture, avoiding excessive opening of your mouth, and applying heat to relax the facial muscles.