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TMJ Clinic in Meridian, Idaho

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TMJ Treatment in Meridian, Idaho


Are you constantly hearing a clicking or popping noise coming from your jaw, or are you frequently experiencing unexplained Jaw pain? There is an explanation for your mystery ailment; you might be suffering from a TMJ disorder. You are welcome to come into our TMJ clinic in Idaho.


TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. The joint is located on either side of the head in front of the ears, allowing the jaw to move up and down and side to side, which is necessary for speaking, eating, and other functions.


Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a term that refers to a group of conditions that affect the TMJ and the muscles and ligaments that control the jaw. Common symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders, difficulty opening the mouth, and a popping or clicking sound when the jaw moves.

Anyone can get TMJ, from young toddlers and infants to older people. Certain situations and populations are more likely to experience obstructive sleep apnea than others:

  • Before age 50, men and those born with a male gender preference are more likely to experience it (AMAB). After age 50, it impacts both women and those who were born with the gender ascribed to them (AFAB) equally.
  • As people age, they are more likely to develop it.
  • Obesity or being overweight significantly raises the risk of getting it.
  • People that are Black, Hispanic, or Asian in descent are more likely to experience it.


If you fall into the above demographic and experience any of the above issues, then it’s time to come in and speak with us at our TMJ clinic in Meridian, Idaho.


The exact cause of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is not well understood, but it can be caused by a combination of factors such as:

  • Jaw injury: Trauma to the jaw, such as a fracture or dislocation, can damage the TMJ and lead to TMD.
  • Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other types of arthritis can affect the TMJ and cause pain and inflammation.
  • Teeth grinding: Bruxism, or the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, can put excessive stress on the TMJ and lead to TMD.
  • Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can cause a person to clench or grind their teeth, leading to TMD.
  • Poor posture: Poor posture can cause the jaw to be positioned in an unnatural position, putting stress on the TMJ and leading to TMD.
  • Malocclusion (bad bite): Misaligned teeth or jaw can cause the jaw to be positioned in an unnatural position, putting stress on the TMJ and leading to TMD.
  • Aging: With age, the discs that cushion the joint may wear down, leading to TMD.


It's important to note that a combination of these factors can also cause TMD and that the underlying cause can be difficult to determine. Consult your healthcare professional if you have persistent pain or discomfort in the jaw, face, or neck, difficulty opening your mouth, or a popping or clicking sound when you move your jaw.


The signs and symptoms of the temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can vary, but they often include the following:

  • Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders.
  • Difficulty opening the mouth or a limited range of motion in the jaw.
  • A popping or clicking sound when the jaw moves.
  • A locked jaw, or the inability to open or close the jaw fully.
  • Chronic headaches or migraines.
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Dizziness.
  • Ear pain, fullness, or pressure.
  • Facial pain or numbness.

It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions and that a proper diagnosis should be made by our TMJ doctor in Idaho. If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with them to determine the underlying cause and appropriate TMJ treatment in Meridian, Idaho.

TMJ Treatment in Meridian, Idaho

TMJ treatment in Meridian, Idaho can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. Some common treatment options include:

  • Self-care TMJ syndrome treatment: Eating a soft diet, applying heat or cold to the jaw, and practicing jaw exercises can help to alleviate pain and improve jaw function.
  • Medications: One TMJ pain treatment is over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, our healthcare professional may prescribe a muscle relaxant or a tricyclic antidepressant to help with muscle spasms.
  • Physical therapy: TMJ physical therapy can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the jaw, neck, and shoulders to improve jaw function and reduce pain.
  • Oral splints or mouth guards: An oral splint or mouth guard can help to prevent teeth grinding and reduce stress on the TMJ. When soft tissue in your head or neck, particularly those surrounding your mouth and jaw, presses downward on your windpipe, obstructive sleep apnea results. This jaw pain treatment helps keep strain off your windpipe, by using special mouthpiece devices that can assist in maintaining your jaw and tongue in place. For those who require them, dentists and sleep medicine experts frequently collaborate.
  • Injections: Injections of corticosteroids or other medications can be used to reduce inflammation and pain in the TMJ.
  • Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the TMJ. Nose, throat, and windpipe blockages can be avoided by surgery on the nose, mouth, and throat. The effect of these on adults, however, is typically minimal and varies from person to person.


It's important to note that TMJ disorder treatment in Idaho or anywhere else may need to be tailored to the individual case and that the best treatment plan for TMJ will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. Consult your healthcare professional to determine the best approach for you.


If temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is left untreated, it can lead to a number of complications. Some potential consequences of untreated TMJ include:

  • Chronic pain: TMD can cause chronic pain in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders that can impact a person's quality of life.
  • Limited jaw function: TMD can cause the jaw to become locked or to have a limited range of motion, which can make it difficult to speak, eat, and perform other functions.
  • Teeth grinding: TMD can cause or exacerbate teeth grinding, which can lead to damage to the teeth, jaw, and TMJ.
  • Headaches and migraines: TMD can cause headaches and migraines, which can lead to chronic pain and disruption of daily activities.
  • Ear problems: TMD can cause ear pain, ringing in the ears, or hearing problems.
  • Sleep apnea: TMD can cause airway obstruction and sleep apnea, a condition where a person's breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep.

Facial Pain or Numbness

It's important to note that TMD can also be caused by a combination of factors and that the underlying cause can be difficult to determine. Consult your healthcare professional if you have persistent pain or discomfort in the jaw, face, or neck, difficulty opening your mouth, or a popping or clicking sound when you move your jaw. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent these complications and improve the overall quality of life.

Regenerate response


It's important to note that treatment for TMD may need to be tailored to the individual case and that the best treatment plan for TMD will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. Consult with our healthcare professional at our TMJ treatment center in Idaho to determine the best jaw pain treatment for you. We offer personalized TMJ therapy treatment, don’t hesitate to call and book an appointment to see us at our TMJ center today!

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