As a facial pain and airway-focused dentist, I’ve had countless patients walk into my clinic, clutching their jaws or rubbing their temples, telling me, “Dr. Ankita, something doesn’t feel right when I chew or talk.” Most of them are experiencing a problem that often goes undiagnosed or misunderstood,TMJ and TMD.
Jaw pain is not something you should learn to live with. It can impact your daily life in so many ways, from eating your favourite foods to sleeping peacefully or even smiling confidently. That’s why I feel it’s important to break down what TMJ/TMD really are and most importantly, how they can be fixed often without surgery.
Let’s start by understanding the basics.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, allowing you to speak, chew, yawn, and move your jaw in multiple directions.
TMD (temporomandibular disorders) refers to a group of conditions that affect this joint, the surrounding muscles, and tissues.
If you’re struggling with persistent jaw pain, limited jaw movement, or clicking/popping sounds in your jaw, you may be dealing with TMD.
One of the things I often share with my patients is that TMD rarely has just one cause. It’s usually a combination of factors like:
Even lifestyle habits like chewing gum excessively or frequently resting your chin on your hand can contribute to jaw stress over time.
Many people don’t realise they’re dealing with TMJ/TMD because the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other issues like migraines or ear infections. Here are signs I encourage my patients to watch for:
If you’re noticing one or more of these signs, don’t ignore them. Early diagnosis makes treatment easier and more effective.
The short answer is: Yes, absolutely.
And the best part? Most people with TMJ or TMD don’t need surgery. As someone who focuses on holistic, non-invasive care, I always start with conservative treatment options. These are often enough to relieve pain, improve jaw function, and prevent long-term complications.
Simple changes in your habits can go a long way:
I often guide patients through customized jaw exercises to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility. In some cases, we work with physiotherapists who specialize in jaw function.
Because stress is a major trigger for jaw clenching and muscle tension, learning how to manage it is key. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or even short mindful breaks during the day can be incredibly helpful.
If you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, a custom-made night guard or GNM Orthotics can reduce pressure on the joint and protect your teeth.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, I may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants. However, I prefer to use these only when necessary and under close supervision.
Surgery is only needed in rare and severe cases—such as when there’s significant structural damage, a locked jaw, or bone degeneration that doesn’t respond to non-surgical treatments. Procedures like arthrocentesis (joint flushing), arthroscopy, or open joint surgery are only considered after thorough evaluation.
Before we even begin to discuss surgical options, I ensure a detailed diagnosis using imaging tools like X-rays, CBCT scans, and a comprehensive jaw function assessment.
While clinical treatment plays a major role, I also recommend several home care practices to support healing:
Every patient’s jaw is different. That’s why I take the time to truly listen to your concerns, evaluate your jaw movement, and understand your symptoms. Together, we develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.
Whether your pain started recently or you’ve been dealing with it for years, relief is possible. You don’t have to live with daily discomfort or depend on painkillers.
As a practitioner trained with renowned leaders like Dr. Clayton Chan and Dr.Soroush Zaghi in the work for treating functional jaw therapy and airway related disorders, I approach TMJ and TMD holistically, considering not just your jaw but your overall head, neck, and posture alignment.
This cyclical pattern demonstrates why tracking your symptoms alongside your menstrual cycle is valuable for understanding your personal TMJ and hormones connection.
I always encourage patients to seek help sooner rather than later if:
Delaying treatment can lead to chronic issues or more complex problems down the road.
TMJ and TMD are often misunderstood or brushed aside as “normal jaw pain.” But they’re not. These are real conditions that affect your quality of life—and more importantly, they’re treatable.
If you suspect you’re dealing with a TMJ disorder, I encourage you to schedule a consultation. With the right diagnosis, a compassionate care plan, and some personalized guidance, you can live pain-free again.
Let’s work together to fix your jaw, relieve your discomfort, and help you smile, eat, and live with confidence.
TMJ refers to the jaw joint itself, while TMD refers to any disorder affecting that joint and the surrounding muscles.
Yes, most TMJ or TMD cases can be treated effectively through non-surgical approaches like splints, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
It varies based on severity, but many patients begin to feel relief within a few weeks of starting treatment.
Yes, stress is a common cause of jaw clenching and muscle tension, which can worsen TMJ symptoms.
Not always. Occasional clicking is common, but if it’s frequent or painful, it may indicate TMD.
Hard, chewy, or crunchy foods like nuts, gum, or tough meats should be avoided during flare-ups.
Yes, poor posture, especially forward head posture—can strain your jaw muscles and worsen TMJ symptoms.
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The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) that is your Jaw Joint has a significant impact on one’s quality of life, as they leave the person feeling exhausted and irritable. It not only affects essential functions like chewing, speaking, yawning but also affects one’s posture, breathing and sleep. As a leading TMJ specialist in Mumbai, we offer comprehensive diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to address your unique needs.
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