Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the hinge joints that connect your jawbone to your skull. They allow you to talk, chew, and yawn comfortably. When these joints don’t work properly, it’s called TMJ dysfunction or TMD (temporomandibular disorder).
What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?
- Teeth grinding or clenching (often during sleep)
- Arthritis in the joint
- Stress on the joint from injury or bite misalignment
- Chronic muscle tension in the jaw
Common Symptoms
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
- Locking of the jaw (making it hard to open or close fully)
- Headaches, earaches, or facial pain
- Tension or pain in the neck and shoulders
Our TMJ Treatment
At Prairie Sleep Center, we provide custom TMJ splints to help relieve pressure on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. These splints are worn over the teeth and are designed to:
- Reduce clenching and grinding
- Improve jaw alignment
- Relieve jaw pain and muscle tension
- Protect teeth from wear