Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common yet misunderstood condition affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. For many people, TMD causes chronic jaw pain, difficulty chewing, headaches, and even neck or shoulder discomfort. While some severe cases may require surgical treatment, the good news is that your dentist can successfully manage most TMD cases without surgery.

At Square One Health Group, our multidisciplinary dental team specializes in non-surgical TMD treatments designed to reduce pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.

What Is TMD?

TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, which refers to conditions that affect the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). This joint connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull and is critical in everyday activities such as speaking, chewing, yawning, and swallowing.

Common causes of TMD include:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Jaw clenching (often stress-induced)
• Trauma or injury to the jaw
• Malocclusion (misaligned bite)
• Arthritis in the joint
• Poor posture affecting head and neck alignment

Symptoms may include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds
• Limited jaw movement or locking
• Headaches and facial pain
• Earaches or ringing in the ears
• Pain radiating to the neck and shoulders

Why Choose a Dentist for TMD Treatment?

Many assume they need a surgical specialist or ENT for jaw pain, but dentists are often the first and best healthcare providers to diagnose and manage TMD. At Square One Health Group, our dental professionals are trained in advanced diagnostics, facial pain management, and bite alignment techniques—all essential for effective, non-surgical TMD care.

Our approach prioritizes:

• Noninvasive, conservative treatment plans
• Long-term pain relief and prevention
• Multidisciplinary support, including physiotherapy and stress management

1. Custom Mouthguards and Night Guards

One of the most effective and widely recommended treatments for TMD is a custom-made occlusal splint, also known as a night guard. At Square One Health Group, we design these devices to:

• Prevent teeth grinding and clenching
• Reduce stress on the TMJ
• Align the jaw in a more natural position

These devices are typically worn at night and help to cushion the bite, allowing your jaw muscles and joints to relax and heal over time.

Types of splints include:

• Stabilization splints: Provide an even biting surface to reduce pressure on the joint.
• Repositioning splints: Guide the jaw into a healthier position to minimize stress.

2. Bite Correction (Occlusal Equilibration)

Sometimes, the root cause of TMD is an uneven or misaligned bite. Using digital bite analysis and manual assessment, our dentists can identify high-pressure areas and precisely adjust your teeth’ surfaces—this is known as occlusal equilibration.

Benefits include:

• Improved balance between upper and lower jaws
• Reduced pressure on TMJS
• Less muscle strain and jaw pain

Correcting your bite alignment may also prevent future wear and tear on the teeth.

3. Physiotherapy and Jaw Exercises

At Square One Health Group, we take a collaborative approach to TMD treatment by working closely with physiotherapists specializing in head, neck, and jaw dysfunction.

Therapies may include:

• Trigger point release for tight jaw muscles
• Manual therapy to improve joint mobility
• Jaw movement exercises to strengthen muscles and restore function
• Ultrasound or TENS therapy to relieve pain

We also provide patients with custom home exercise programs that complement in-clinic sessions.

4. Botox® for Jaw Pain Relief

Botox is best known for cosmetic use, but it is also an innovative treatment for TMD. When administered by a trained dentist, Botox injections relax overactive jaw muscles, which helps:

• Minimize clenching and grinding
• Reduce jaw tension and headaches
• Improve overall muscle function

Botox is beneficial for patients with persistent muscular TMD symptoms and can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

5. Stress Management and Behavioral Coaching

At Square One Health Group, we understand that stress and emotional tension play a significant role in TMD. Jaw clenching and teeth grinding are often unconscious habits triggered by anxiety or daily stressors.

Our TMD care team may recommend the following:

• Relaxation techniques such as guided breathing or meditation
• Biofeedback therapy to help patients identify and stop clenching
• Referral to a counsellor or mental health therapist for stress reduction strategies

Learning to manage stress not only improves TMD symptoms but also supports overall wellness.

6. Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments

Daily habits can have a significant impact on your jaw health. As part of your care plan, our team will offer personalized guidance to reduce strain on the TMJ, including:

• Eating soft, easy-to-chew foods
• Avoiding gum, ice, and tough meats
• Practicing proper posture while sitting and sleeping
• Using heat or ice therapy for flare-ups

Even simple changes, like avoiding resting your chin on your hand, can help improve symptoms.

7. Short-Term Medications for Symptom Relief

While not a long-term fix, medication can temporarily relieve acute pain and inflammation. Dentists at Square One Health Group may recommend:

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) for inflammation
• Muscle relaxants to ease jaw tightness
• Topical analgesics for targeted relief

We collaborate with GPS or pain specialists for more comprehensive medication support.

How TMD Is Diagnosed at Square One Health Group

Accurate diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. Our team uses a combination of advanced tools and expert assessments to determine the exact cause of your jaw pain.

Diagnostic tools include:

• Physical jaw exam (checking movement, tenderness, and sounds)
• Digital imaging (X-rays, CBCT scans, and 3d imaging)
• Bite analysis to assess alignment and contact points
• Patient history review to identify lifestyle or stress-related factors

How Long Does Non-Surgical Treatment Take?

TMD is a complex condition requiring consistent care over several weeks or months. The good news is that with a personalized, noninvasive plan from Square One Health Group, most patients begin to see relief within 6 to 12 weeks.

Success depends on:

• Daily use of splints or appliances
• Commitment to exercise and physiotherapy
• Managing stress and triggers
• Routine follow-ups and monitoring

We tailor each plan based on your symptoms, progress, and lifestyle.

Why Choose Square One Health Group?

At Square One Health Group, we combine modern dental technology with a holistic, patient-centred approach. Our experienced dentists work closely with other healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, mental health experts, and pain specialists, to create the most effective non-surgical treatment plan for you.

What sets us apart:

• State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment

• Custom appliances made in-house

• Multidisciplinary care under one roof

• Compassionate and experienced team

• Convenient Mississauga location with flexible hours

When to Book a TMD Assessment

Do not wait for the symptoms to worsen if you are experiencing jaw pain, clicking, stiffness, or unexplained facial discomfort. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent permanent joint damage and avoid surgery.

Book an appointment if you are experiencing:

• Jaw pain when chewing or speaking
• Clicking or locking jaw joints
• Tension headaches or earaches
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully
• Worn or flattened teeth from grinding

Reclaim Your Comfort—Without Surgery

You do not need to suffer in silence or resort to invasive treatments. With Square One Health Group’s expert team, advanced diagnostics, and holistic care approach, you can find lasting relief from TMD safely and naturally.