TMJ - Serenity Healthy Smiles

what is TMJ/TMD

TMJ, short for temporomandibular joint, refers to the jaw joint itself. However, it commonly denotes discomfort and other symptoms associated with this joint. TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, encompasses the various conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, often resulting in pain and dysfunction.

complexities AND simpleness OF THE TMJ

TMJ symptoms range from jaw clicking, pain, headaches, discomfort chewing, tooth grinding and more. Because of this large array, diagnosis and treatment can be difficult and perplexing.

None-the-less, by thoroughly examining health history and evaluating the condition, delving into the underlying causes, often a “this makes sense” understanding can be achieved. For example, tooth grinding may be a sleep issue, biting problems may be caused by tension stemming from elsewhere in the body, and headaches could be associated with breathing dysfunction or a wire cemented on the teeth as a retainer.

the SOLUTION

Serenity Healthy Smiles often addresses TMJ problems by utilizing a soft mouthpiece, along with craniosacral and/or myofunctional therapy. This approach corrects the position of the jaws, if necessary, and targets the underlying causes of the issue.

the RESULTS

With this approach, we often find that pain resolves, function improves, and better sleep occurs. What may initially appear as multiple issues often becomes simplified to basic conservative treatment, aimed at aligning the jaw properly and improving breathing—both during the day and at night. This restores balance to the body, facilitating true self-healing.

To allow the body to heal itself, an inflammatory diet, or one lacking in nutrients may need to be improved. We firmly believe that the body has the ability to heal itself. It is our job to give it proper tools (nutrients, sleep, etc.) to guide it to better health for better lives.