TMJ Treatment: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), used to open and close the mouth, is found on both the left and right side of a person's jaw. Attached to the TMJ are muscles which allow a person to talk, chew, yawn and other important functions. This joint sustains heavy use, and TMJ disorders are a common problem faced by Americans, with symptoms that include:

• Popping/clicking in the jaw joint
• Headaches and pain in the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders
• Limited jaw movement
• Dizziness, earaches and other hearing problems

If you are diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, there are a number of treatment options available. Depending on the type of TMJ disorder you are suffering from, your dentist may suggest conservative measures such as jaw rest, application of heat and/or ice, physiotherapy (muscle stretching and relaxing exercises), and certain changes to your diet and eating habits. In some cases, you may be advised to wear a dental splint. A splint or "night guard" is a custom-made plastic device which snugly fits over your top or bottom teeth, specially designed to help you reduce teeth grinding and clenching, particularly at night. There are other treatment options available, and your dentist or prosthodontist will be happy to discuss these with you. If you have a TMJ disorder, take comfort in the fact that you are not alone, and that TMJ treatment has brought relief to many Americans with this condition.