6 MIN READ
What is TMD?
Temporomandibular Disorders (or TMD) are a group of conditions affecting the jaw joint, muscles, and surrounding structures, causing pain, stiffness, headaches and difficulty with jaw movement.
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TMJ: Your jaw joint
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint — your jaw joint that allows you to speak, chew, and yawn — though it's sometimes also used to refer to TMD, the conditions that affect how this joint functions.
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Understanding TMD self-management
Self-management is a safe and effective first step for TMD, using simple daily tools like education, jaw exercises, and habit awareness to reduce pain and improve function.
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Jaw exercise: N-stretch
The N-stretch is a jaw relaxation exercise where you place your tongue on the roof of your mouth, let your jaw hang loose, and keep your teeth apart with lips together.
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Understanding TMD-related pain
TMD-related pain isn't always a sign of damage — it’s often the result of an overprotective nervous system that continues to send pain signals even after the original issue has healed.
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Finding relief and managing TMD
TMD can be effectively managed — and it all begins with self-management, the evidence-based foundation that supports every next step in your care.
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TMD & teeth grinding: Is there a link?
Teeth grinding (bruxism) and TMD are distinct but sometimes connected conditions that can influence each other, often sharing triggers like stress, poor sleep, and muscle tension.
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The role of dental splints
Dental splints can help reduce jaw strain and protect teeth in TMD and bruxism, but they work best when used alongside self-management strategies and under professional guidance.
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Botulinum Toxin for TMD relief: Can it help?
Botulinum Toxin (e.g. Botox®) may help relieve symptoms for some people with muscle-related TMD, but its effectiveness is uncertain, temporary, and not a cure — making it one of many treatment options to consider carefully.
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Do I need TMJ (jaw joint) surgery?
TMJ surgery is rarely needed and only considered for specific joint-related TMD subtypes — never for muscle-related TMD — and is typically reserved for cases with severe joint changes or functional limitation.
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