Joint Clicking, Pain (TMD) and Grinding
Disorders of the jaw joints and muscles (‘temporomandibular dysfunction’, or ‘TMD’) can cause a variety of symptoms in the head and neck and have found to affect around thirty percent of the population.
Our team of dentists and specialists can diagnose the cause of the joint disorder. If suitable, our dentists can provide stabilising hard or cushioning soft night guards to alleviate joint pain or reduce the harmful effects grinding has on teeth. If there is a bite issue, orthodontic treatment may be recommended. To manage pain, we may suggest anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxant medication.
Main symptoms of TMD include; limited mouth opening, clicking or grating sounds, sore jaw (especially upon waking), facial pain or ear ache, and tooth wear.
Sleep and Grinding
The dentist or orthodontist can support better sleep by collaborating with the sleep specialist and/or medical doctor by providing oral appliances in both children and adults.
In children, upper jaw expansion and lower jaw advancement appliances are often helpful to promote nasal breathing, which can be helpful in promoting balanced facial growth and dental development.
For adults, oral appliances (e.g. SomnoMed) worn during sleep to bring the lower jaw forwards can be helpful to reduce snoring or sleep apnea.