Temporomandibular
Joint Disorder
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is a crucial joint located on each side of the face, just in front of the ears. These joints connect the lower jawbone (mandible) to the skull and allow the jaw to move up and down, side to side, and forward and backward, enabling essential functions such as chewing, talking, and yawning.
However, sometimes problems can arise with the temporomandibular joint, leading to a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or TMJ disorder.
Do you have any of these common TMJ related symptoms?
Jaw Pain or tenderness
Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
Aching pain around the ears, face, neck, or shoulders
Jaw locking: Making it difficult to open/close the mouth fully
Headaches and migraines
Botox for TMJ
By targeting the overactive muscles around the temporomandibular joint, Botox can help reduce muscle tension and spasms, which are often major contributors to TMJ-related pain. Botox injections can also reduce the intensity and frequency of teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching, which are common triggers for TMJ problems.
Mouth Guards
A mouthguard prevents clenching and grinding by keeping the teeth slightly apart, creating a cushioning effect between your upper and lower teeth. The muscles relax, allowing the strain on the painful joint to decrease with consistent usage.
Though you can always purchase an over-the-counter guard at a store we highly recommend our custom-fitted appliances!