TMD/TMJ Dentist in Anaheim

What Is TMD?

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) refers to problems affecting the jaw joint (called the temporomandibular joint or TMJ) and the surrounding muscles. This joint connects your jaw to your skull and plays a key role in everyday actions like chewing, speaking, and yawning. When the joint or nearby muscles become misaligned, inflamed, or overworked, it can lead to pain, stiffness, clicking sounds, jaw locking, or headaches. TMD can be caused by stress, teeth grinding, injury, or even arthritis. Fortunately, most cases can be managed with proper diagnosis and non-invasive treatments.

The jaw joint (TMJ) can become misaligned due to several factors, including:

• Teeth grinding or clenching, which puts excessive pressure on the joint
• Jaw injuries or trauma, such as a blow to the face or whiplash
• Poor bite alignment (malocclusion), where the teeth don’t fit together properly
• Arthritis, which can wear down the joint
• Habitual behaviors, like chewing on one side, nail biting, or frequent gum chewing

These issues can shift the position of the joint or the disc inside it, leading to pain, limited movement, and clicking or popping sounds.

Non-invasive treatments for TMD often include jaw exercises, stress management, physical therapy, bite splints or night guards, and avoiding hard or chewy foods to reduce strain on the jaw.

Call Us Today

If you want to know more about TMD/TMJ dentistry services, then please call our office at 714-983-7297. We’re happy to answer any questions, inquiries, or concerns you may have.