TMJ

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a crucial role in jaw movement, allowing functions like chewing, speaking, and yawning. When issues arise within this joint and surrounding muscles, it leads to temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which can cause jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, ear discomfort, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.

TMD may result from trauma, teeth grinding, arthritis, poor posture, stress, or underlying medical conditions, and its severity varies from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. Treatment options range from home remedies such as jaw exercises, applying moist heat, and avoiding hard foods to professional care, including oral appliances, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, joint injections or surgery. Since TMD is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, early diagnosis and personalized treatment at Griffith Family Dental can help alleviate pain, restore function, and improve overall jaw health.