Heritage House Dental and Temporomandibular Disorder TMD

Temporomandibular Disorder TMD is a condition affecting the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. These disorders are often incorrectly called TMJ, temporomandibular joint, which is the actual hinge like joint itself.

The cause of TMD is not clear, but dentists believe that symptoms arise from problems with the muscles of the jaw or with the parts of the joint. If you have sustained an injury to your jaw in the form of a heavy blow or whiplash, this can contribute to TMJ pain and TMD.

Other possible causes can be grinding or clenching your teeth which put a large amount of pressure on the TMJ and dislocation of the soft cushion disc of the TMJ buffering the ball and socket type formation of the temporomandibular joint. Individuals with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis present in other joints may develop TMD. Everyday stress from home and work and certain personal habits may be a silent contributor to your TMD and TMJ pain.

Dr. Kate Bazydlo of Heritage House Dental together with TMJ Solutions of Mississauga is well trained to identify TMD and to help you manage your discomfort.