TMJ-TMD & Bruxism

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain as well as recurring headaches. In some cases, this pain is due to Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD.

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement.

Symptoms of TMD include:

• Pain in the jaw area
• Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
• Frequent headaches or neck aches
• Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
• Swelling on the sides of the face
• Muscle spasms in the jaw area
• A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
• Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth

Should you notice any of these symptoms, let us know. Dr. Dayries or Dr. Widjaja can identify the presence of TMD and create an effective treatment just for you.

There are a few simple steps you can take at home or work to prevent TMD from becoming more severe, or to prevent it from occurring:

• Relax your face — remember the rule: “Lips together, teeth apart”
• Avoid grinding your teeth
• Avoid constant gum chewing
• Don’t cradle the phone receiver between your head and shoulder — either use a headset or hold the receiver in your hand
• Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth
• Do not sit with your chin resting on your hand
• Practice good posture: keep your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared

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Dr. Dayries' 10 Minute Yoga Exercises

1. Take 3 deep breaths through your nose
   1. 4-7-8 breathe
   2. Inhale-hold-exhale
2. Start stretching on your right side: Bring left hand up pulling head towards your left while sitting crisscross applesauce extending right hand on ground far away from you.  Hold 30 seconds and Repeat on the other side stretching neck/shoulder with left hand extended.
3. In tabletop position (on all 4’s) complete several rounds of deep inhale/exhale breathing in conjunction with cat/cow poses.
4. While standing and holding onto a chair stretch in figure four position. You can also do this lying down if needed.
5. Extending one arm overhead and the other behind you, try to touch fingertips.
6. Stretch in the front arm pretzel pose.
7. Return to sitting and repeat exerciser #2 above. Start stretching on your right side: Bring left hand up pulling head towards your left while sitting crisscross applesauce extending right hand on ground far away from you. Hold 30 seconds and Repeat on the other side stretching neck/shoulder with left hand extended.