Jaw pain is not normal.
If jaw pain is part of your everyday life, it may seem normal to you. The truth is, jaw pain is far from normal and may be a symptom of a condition called TMD from one or both of your TMJs. Those are the joints of your lower jaw, called TemporoMandibular Joints. When disease or misalignment occurs, the TMJ and surrounding area becomes inflamed — which is what causes pain and other symptoms.
- Headaches
- Earaches, tenderness around the ear
- Face or jaw pain and tenderness
- Muscle pain in your neck, shoulders and upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning or opening your mouth
What are the signs of TMJ disorder (TMD)?
How do we diagnose and treat TMJ disorder?
Diagnosis
Treatment of TMD begins with a comprehensive clinical examination, to check your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During your appointment, we will check for pain and tenderness and listen for clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If the disorder is diagnosed, a bite splint or night guard is often recommended as the initial treatment.
Treatment and Relief
Our treatment application involves bite splints, which are custom-created plastic mouthpieces, designed to fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. These type of devices prevent the grinding and clenching that often causes or worsens TMD. The splint also realigns the jaw, removing stress on the surrounding area.
Alternative Treatment Options
If a misaligned bite or missing teeth are the cause of your symptoms, we may recommend orthodontics or restorative dental work. If your bite is placing undue pressure on the TMJ’s, we may suggest reshaping individual teeth to redistribute the bite force evenly.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. If this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed we refer to that as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD for short.
Signs or symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness in or around the ear, the jaw joint, or the muscles of the jaw, face or temples. Other symptoms are problems opening or closing your mouth, and a clicking, popping, crunching or grinding noise when you chew, yawn or open your mouth. TMDs may be linked with neck pain and headaches.
TMD is caused by a combination of factors like jaw injuries and joint disease, such as arthritis. It’s believed that bruxism (tooth clenching or grinding) and head or neck muscle tension may make TMD symptoms worse. Stress is also a possible factor. However, it is not clear if stress causes TMD or is a result. Other things that may lead to TMDs are partial or full dentures that are not the right fit and certain habits such as fingernail biting and pen or pencil biting. As you can see, there are an array of different causes which makes TMD hard to diagnose. The best way to understand your jaw pain symptoms are to book an appointment.
There are many possible causes of headaches. No doctor will be able to determine the cause of your headache without a physical examination.
Most often, TMJ pain can be treated effectively with non-invasive treatments and therapies. In very rare circumstances, TMD may require surgery. Your health and happiness are both important to us. We will always present you with all of your options, work through the safest and easiest options first, and give you the final decision on what happens next.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Natasha Stead
5 days ago
I’m a very nervous patient however the staff are kind and understanding and put me at ease. They are also very thorough and do fantastic work. I’m so happy that after much research I chose this office to get my dental work done!
Chara DeVolder
1 week ago
Moved from Toronto about 3 years ago and had been travelling back and forth to the city for dental appointments. Last year I had a dental emergency, severe pain in my left side, couldn’t sleep for days and needed urgent dental attention. I called around to different local dentists and Bayside was able to get me in almost immediately. I ended up having an abscess tooth (ouch) which didn’t improve with antibiotics alone which meant I had to get a pulpectomy followed by a root canal once the infection went away. I’m not a huge fan of the dentist to begin with, but with the level of pain and discomfort I was feeling, I was thrilled to be in the dental chair and have someone help me. I’m very grateful for the friendly, caring and professional staff at Bayside and I’ve decided to start coming here instead of using my dentist in the city.
Anne Marie Farr
2 months ago
My husband and I are new to Bayside Dentistry and they are an amazing group. The front desk are so gentle and reassuring. I had the manager (Hygenist) yesterday do a cleaning and she was wonderful. I have had a bad experience with many dentists from a young age so I'm very nervous. Trust Bayside Dentistry to give you their best service. They listen to your fears and concerns. My husband and I will be back as we trust Bayside Dentistry. Thank you all so much
steve anthony
4 months ago
I am very nervous about having Dental work done.Dr.Mandal was and is very kind compassionate, and explains everything.The Dental Hygienist Samantha is also very kind, compassionate and caring. Samantha explained everything and checked on me constantly. This Dental Practice is the best that I have ever seen. I would highly recommend this practice along with the people to everyone.
Lateashia Burnett
7 months ago
Switched our dentist to this one after a terrible experience elsewhere. Our first visit was wonderful. The receptionists were lovely and the Dentist was absolutely amazing with my 8 year old son. Dr. Mantal was also very understanding, supportive and kind to me as well. Safe to say we made a good choice switching, and can't wait to come back again!
Natasha Stead
5 days ago
I’m a very nervous patient however the staff are kind and understanding and put me at ease. They are also very thorough and do fantastic work. I’m so happy that after much research I chose this office to get my dental work done!
Chara DeVolder
1 week ago
Moved from Toronto about 3 years ago and had been travelling back and forth to the city for dental appointments. Last year I had a dental emergency, severe pain in my left side, couldn’t sleep for days and needed urgent dental attention. I called around to different local dentists and Bayside was able to get me in almost immediately. I ended up having an abscess tooth (ouch) which didn’t improve with antibiotics alone which meant I had to get a pulpectomy followed by a root canal once the infection went away. I’m not a huge fan of the dentist to begin with, but with the level of pain and discomfort I was feeling, I was thrilled to be in the dental chair and have someone help me. I’m very grateful for the friendly, caring and professional staff at Bayside and I’ve decided to start coming here instead of using my dentist in the city.
Anne Marie Farr
2 months ago
My husband and I are new to Bayside Dentistry and they are an amazing group. The front desk are so gentle and reassuring. I had the manager (Hygenist) yesterday do a cleaning and she was wonderful. I have had a bad experience with many dentists from a young age so I'm very nervous. Trust Bayside Dentistry to give you their best service. They listen to your fears and concerns. My husband and I will be back as we trust Bayside Dentistry. Thank you all so much
steve anthony
4 months ago
I am very nervous about having Dental work done.Dr.Mandal was and is very kind compassionate, and explains everything.The Dental Hygienist Samantha is also very kind, compassionate and caring. Samantha explained everything and checked on me constantly. This Dental Practice is the best that I have ever seen. I would highly recommend this practice along with the people to everyone.
Lateashia Burnett
7 months ago
Switched our dentist to this one after a terrible experience elsewhere. Our first visit was wonderful. The receptionists were lovely and the Dentist was absolutely amazing with my 8 year old son. Dr. Mantal was also very understanding, supportive and kind to me as well. Safe to say we made a good choice switching, and can't wait to come back again!
