Do you have difficulty opening and closing your jaw? Maybe you suffer from pain or hear a clicking sound when moving it? If this sounds familiar, you may have a disorder of the temporomandibular joint, commonly referred to as a TMJ disorder. When the joint that connects the lower jaw to the base of the skull functions improperly, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms that can decrease your quality of life. To help alleviate the complications, there are several things you can do at home. However, if they are not effective, you will need to see your dentist for TMJ therapy in Brampton.
Do I Have a TMJ Disorder?
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, it is estimated that as many as 12% of people suffer from a TMJ disorder. The cause of the issue can be due to several factors, such as a poorly aligned bite, past trauma to the joint, or arthritis. No matter the cause, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms.
Among the most common symptoms include limited movement of the joint. In some cases, it may even lock into an opened or closed position. It is not uncommon to develop pain, swelling, or tenderness while also living with reoccurring headaches. Many report to hear or feel a clicking, popping, or grating sensation when opening or closing the mouth. In some cases, neck and shoulder pain can develop, as well as pain or ringing in the ears.
Often, the symptoms of the disorder can intensify with stress or pressure on the joint, such as due to grinding or clenching of the teeth, known as bruxism. TMJ treatment in Brampton often involves reducing the strain on the jaw while also properly aligning it.
How Can I Treat TMJ?
To stop the discomfort of the disorder, there are several things you can do at home. If these remedies are ineffective, it is best to call your dentist for an alternative treatment option.
- Apply moist heat to the joint to improve function while reducing pain.
- Ice packs can be used in 10 to 15-minute intervals to minimize swelling.
- Eat a soft diet to give the jaw a rest, such as yogurts and soups.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.
- Practice jaw exercises to help improve its mobility.
- Use relaxation techniques, like yoga, to reduce stress levels that can lead to grinding and clenching of the teeth.
If home remedies are not enough to give you the relief you need, your dentist can prescribe a custom-fit oral appliance, which is similar to a mouthguard. It will reposition the jaw into a more comfortable and natural position.
Stop Living with the Pain of TMJ
If TMJ symptoms are decreasing your quality of life, it is time to get the relief you need with an effective treatment plan.
About Torbram Dental
Torbram Dental provides modern dental care to promote oral health and overall wellbeing. In addition to general dentistry, they offer many specialty services, including TMJ therapy. If you have any questions about your treatment options, contact Torbram Dental today to schedule a consultation.
Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
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