Elite athletes constantly push the limits of human performance. Training programs are carefully designed, recovery is closely monitored, and biomechanics are analysed in meticulous detail. However, one critical structure is often overlooked: the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is common to clench the jaw in high-performance sport. Athletes brace before lifts, stabilise during contact, and subconsciously…
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a condition which literally means “stiffening inflammation of the spine”. It’s a progressive arthritis that affects joints and organs in the body, from the eyes to the ankles or hips to the heart.[i] For clinicians, AS is notable for its association with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD affects mastication, speech and…
When patients return months after receiving their splint with little improvement in jaw opening, they ask how long recovery will take. Research shows splint therapy alone often takes 12 months or more to achieve full recovery.[i] However, recent evidence points to a faster solution: combining splints with structured home stretching to speed up recovery. For…
Total TMJ is proud to support the European Society of TMJ Surgeons (ESTMJS) as a Gold Sponsor for the upcoming ESTMJS Conference 2026. A non-profit organisation, the ESTMJS consists of specialists who focus on the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), working together to share invaluable research and experience. A TMD can disrupt…
You may have experienced a ringing ear after a gig or using loud machinery. The best way to stop it is often to wait. However, a ringing ear that lasts for three months or longer is classed as chronic tinnitus.[i] Awareness of tinnitus is high because it is common and mostly self-diagnosed – only you…
Jaw pain has a huge impact on quality of life. It deprives patients of their favourite foods, leads to disrupted sleep, and various mental health disorders are associated with it.[i] Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a chronic pain disorder and a common source of jaw pain. Treating TMD is a priority for patients as jaw…
Diet can define health. A balanced diet of healthy foods and drinks is essential for growth and reducing the risk of disease. However, patients with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) may experience pain when chewing. Limitations on certain foods can then make maintaining a balanced diet more difficult. For patients with TMD, altered dietary habits can have…
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) affect every culture on every continent. 31% of adults worldwide may experience symptoms in their life.[i] These vary: some may hear a popping noise when moving the jaw, others may feel pain when masticating chewing, and others may be unable to fully open their mouth.[ii] TMD patients can be managed in…
As one of the leading causes of orofacial pain, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a major disruptor to everyday life.[i] Whether limiting the choice of foods or causing consistent pain, the impact of TMD is widespread. Sleep bruxism has a correlation with TMD that demands closer attention. This is a contentious link that can often provide…
Dental practitioners are vital for diagnosing and classifying cleft lip and palate. With this knowledge, parents with affected babies can better prepare the latter for surgery. But, categorising the anatomy and severity of each cleft lip is challenging. This is why consistency is important for the classification of the condition. Dash to diagnose A cleft…