Temporomandibular
Joint Disorder
A low resting tongue posture affects the stability and support of the jaw. The tongue resting comfortably on the roof of the mouth allows the muscles used to support the TMJ to rest. Improper tongue posture leads to improper muscle compensation causing strain on the TMJ. When muscles are over used or the airway is obstructed this will often cause people to clench and grind pulling the TMJ out of place. While there are many contributing factors to TMD there is often muscular origins and can be improved with myofunctional therapy.
​
TMJ disorders (TMD) can arise from various factors, including injury to the jaw, arthritis, genetics, or teeth grinding (bruxism). Symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:
-
Pain or tenderness in the jaw joint area
-
Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
-
Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint
-
Locking of the jaw, making it difficult to open or close the mouth fully
-
Facial pain or fatigue
-
Headaches or earaches
​
​
TMD can significantly impact a person's quality of life, causing discomfort and affecting their ability to perform daily tasks. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, medical history review, and possibly imaging tests like CBCT scan.