By Dr. Curtis Westersund
TMJ Practitioner at Dentalife, Calgary:
TMJ disorder is one of those conditions that people often underestimate. Many don’t even realize they have it, while others brush off the symptoms as minor annoyances. But here’s the truth: TMJ disorder is more than just a little jaw discomfort. Left untreated, it can disrupt your daily life, impact your health, and even affect your emotional well-being.
As a TMJ-focused dentist, I’ve met countless patients who thought their headaches, ear pain, or even neck stiffness were unrelated to their jaw. They had no idea that their symptoms were caused by an imbalance in their temporomandibular joint (TMJ). If you’ve ever wondered whether you might have TMJ disorder, let’s go through what to watch for and how you can check for yourself.
The Overlooked Impact of TMJ
People don’t often think about their jaw joint. It’s something that quietly does its job—until it doesn’t. The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the body, responsible for movement when you chew, speak, yawn, and even breathe. When it starts to malfunction, it can cause a domino effect of issues that reach beyond just jaw pain.
Patients with TMJ disorder often experience chronic headaches, jaw pain, neck tension, and even dizziness. Some have ear pain or ringing (tinnitus) without any ear infection present. Others notice that their jaw clicks or pops when they open their mouth. While these symptoms may seem small at first, they can develop into chronic pain conditions, impacting your ability to eat, sleep, and even enjoy social situations.
How TMJ Affects Your Social Life
Pain changes how we interact with the world. If you suffer from TMJ disorder, you may find yourself avoiding certain foods because chewing is uncomfortable. You might skip out on social gatherings because of migraines or headaches. You may even struggle to speak comfortably, leading to self-consciousness or anxiety in conversations. TMJ pain can make you withdraw from the things you love, slowly chipping away at your confidence and joy.
Many of my patients come to me frustrated. They’ve seen doctors, physiotherapists, and chiropractors, but no one has been able to pinpoint the root cause of their discomfort. That’s because TMJ disorder is often misdiagnosed or ignored. But if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms I’ve described, you owe it to yourself to investigate further.
How to Check If You Have TMJ
If you’re wondering whether TMJ disorder could be affecting you, here are some simple ways to check:
- Jaw Movement Test: Open and close your mouth slowly. Do you feel or hear clicking, popping, or grinding sounds? Does your jaw deviate to one side when opening? These are potential signs of TMJ dysfunction.
- Tenderness Check: Press gently on the muscles around your jaw, just in front of your ears. If these areas are tender or painful, it may indicate inflammation in the TMJ.
- Headache & Neck Pain Assessment: Frequent headaches, migraines, or neck pain without an obvious cause can be linked to TMJ tension. Pay attention to when your pain occurs—if it worsens after eating, talking, or stress, your jaw joint may be involved.
- Teeth Clenching & Grinding Awareness: Do you wake up with jaw soreness or tightness? Do you clench your teeth when stressed? Many TMJ sufferers grind their teeth at night, putting excessive strain on their jaw joints.
- Ear Symptoms: Do you experience ear pain, a feeling of fullness, ringing, or dizziness? These can be secondary effects of TMJ inflammation pressing on nearby nerves.
If you recognize these signs, you don’t have to live with the discomfort. There are effective ways to address TMJ disorder, and that’s where my practice Dentalife in Calgary comes in.
What Dentalife Can Do to Treat TMJ
At Dentalife, we take a comprehensive approach to TMJ treatment. Every patient is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work.
We use advanced diagnostic tools to assess the function of your TMJ and determine the root cause of your symptoms. Our treatments include:
- Neuromuscular Dentistry: We work to realign your jaw and relieve tension in the surrounding muscles, helping your jaw move as it’s meant to.
- Custom Orthotic Devices: Specially designed oral appliances can reposition the jaw to reduce stress on the TMJ and allow for proper function.
- Bite Adjustments & Restorative Treatment: If your bite is misaligned, we can make precise adjustments to reduce strain on your joints.
- Myofunctional Therapy & Muscle Relaxation Techniques: Targeted exercises and relaxation methods can help relieve tension in the jaw and facial muscles.
- Bio-mechanical : We work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and symptoms.
A Better Life Starts with TMJ Treatment
Imagine waking up without jaw pain. Eating your favorite foods without discomfort. Enjoying conversations without worrying about tension headaches. TMJ treatment isn’t just about fixing a joint—it’s about giving you back the freedom to live your life fully.
Many of my patients tell me they had no idea how much their TMJ issues were holding them back until they finally found relief. I want that for you too.
If you’re struggling with TMJ symptoms, you don’t have to keep guessing or suffering in silence. Let’s find answers together. Schedule a consultation with me at Dentalife, and let’s take the first step toward relief, healing, and a life free from TMJ pain.
Dr. Curtis Westersund
TMJ Practitioner at Dentalife, Calgary
