By Dr. Jared Nabeta, General Dentist (DDS, Case Western Reserve University, 2003)
When your jaw aches, clicks or feels stiff, you notice. Many people search for “TMJ” when this happens. Here’s a plain-language guide to what TMD is, what can contribute to it, and how a general dentist in Burlington assesses it.
TMJ vs. TMD: what’s the difference?
The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. You have one on each side, just in front of your ears.
TMD, or temporomandibular disorders, is the name for problems affecting the jaw joint, the chewing muscles that move it, or the tissues around them. People often say “TMJ” when they mean TMD or a TMJ disorder.
TMD isn’t one single condition. It’s an umbrella term, and how it shows up varies a lot from person to person.
Common signs of TMD
Common signs include:
- Jaw joint pain in front of the ear, or aching in the jaw, face or temples
- Discomfort when chewing, especially with tough or chewy foods
- Clicking, popping or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Stiffness or limited opening, or a jaw that feels like it catches or locks
- A tired or tight jaw, often noticed in the morning
- Headache around the temples that seems linked to jaw tension
- Ear-area discomfort or a feeling of fullness near the ear
A jaw that clicks without pain or other problems is common, and it is often simply monitored. It’s worth having things checked when there’s pain, locking, trouble opening, or symptoms that get in the way of eating or talking.
What can contribute to TMD?
There’s often no single cause. Factors that may play a part include:
- Clenching and grinding (bruxism). Many people clench or grind during the day while concentrating, or during sleep, often without knowing. You can read more on our page about clenching and teeth grinding.
- Muscle tension and stress. Stress can show up as tight jaw, face and neck muscles.
- Jaw injury. A blow to the jaw or face can affect the joint or muscles.
- Habits. Frequent gum chewing, nail biting or chewing on pens can keep the jaw muscles working.
- Joint changes. Changes within the joint itself, including arthritis, can be a factor for some people.
How a general dentist assesses TMD
Dentists work with the jaw joint and chewing muscles every day. At Nabeta Dentistry, a TMD consultation follows three steps.
1. History and examination. We review your medical and dental history, and when your symptoms started. Then we check how your jaw opens and moves, listen for joint sounds, gently feel the chewing and facial muscles, and look at your bite and any tooth wear.
2. Findings and options. We explain what the exam found and which options may be appropriate, with the possible benefits, risks and alternatives of each. Jaw and facial pain can have other causes, so if the findings point outside dentistry, we’ll discuss a referral to your physician or another health professional.
3. Your decision. Treatment begins only after informed consent. Choosing no treatment is always an option.
No referral is needed for a TMD or jaw pain consultation.
Options that may be discussed
Not every option suits every person, and recommendations are made only after an in-person assessment.
Self-care basics. Simple day-to-day steps may include:
- Choosing softer foods for a while and cutting food into smaller pieces
- Avoiding gum chewing and other chewing habits
- Avoiding very wide opening, such as big yawns, when you can
- Noticing daytime clenching and resting the jaw: lips together, teeth apart
- Gentle warmth on the jaw muscles, if it feels comfortable
Neuromodulator injections, where appropriate. A neuromodulator is a prescription medication that can be injected into specific jaw or facial muscles. Whether it’s appropriate depends on your assessment and health history. Possible side effects, how long the effect may last, the need for repeat appointments and alternatives are all reviewed with you first. The effect of the medication is temporary.
Coordinated care. We may discuss a referral to, or coordination with, a physiotherapist or your physician.
Learn more on our TMD and TMJ page and our migraine, TMD and jaw pain treatment page.
TMD, headaches and migraine
Jaw muscle tension can contribute to headaches, particularly around the temples. A dentist can assess and identify headache linked to TMD. Our page on tension headaches and facial pain covers this in more detail.
Migraine is different. Migraine is diagnosed by a physician, and a dentist does not diagnose it. If you’ve been diagnosed with migraine, our article Can a Dentist Help With Migraine? explains how we work alongside your physician.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?
The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, which connects your lower jaw to your skull. TMD, or temporomandibular disorders, is the term for problems affecting that joint, the chewing muscles or the surrounding tissues.
Is jaw clicking a sign of TMD?
It can be, but clicking on its own is common and is often simply monitored. It’s worth having it assessed if the clicking comes with pain, locking or difficulty opening your mouth.
Can a general dentist assess TMD?
Yes. A general dentist assesses the jaw joint, chewing muscles and bite, and can diagnose TMD and headache linked to TMD. If the exam suggests another cause, a referral to a physician or another health professional is discussed.
Do I need a referral for a TMD consultation?
No. You can contact our Burlington office directly for a TMD or jaw pain consultation.
What can I do at home for jaw pain?
Self-care basics can include softer foods, avoiding gum chewing, avoiding very wide opening and resting the jaw with lips together and teeth apart. An assessment can help work out which steps suit you.
Book a TMD consultation in Burlington
If your jaw aches, clicks or feels stiff, we’re happy to talk it through.
- Call: 905-639-6701
- Email: nabetadentistry@outlook.com (please share only your contact details and a good time to call, not detailed health information)
- Online: request an appointment
- Visit: Nabeta Dentistry, Unit 3, 2202 Industrial St, Burlington, ON L7P 0N6
Dr. Jared Nabeta, General Dentist. This article provides general information and is not medical or dental advice. Treatment decisions are made only after an in-person assessment and informed consent.