Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and sleep apnea are two common but often overlooked conditions that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While they may seem unrelated, emerging research shows a strong connection between these disorders. Understanding their relationship, symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help individuals seek the right care and improve their …
By Dr. Ma. Editha Micu-Ramos
Endodontics • TMJ & Dental Sleep Medicine • Quezon City
TMJ Disorder, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is a condition affecting the jaw joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. This joint allows you to talk, chew, yawn, and move your jaw smoothly. When it becomes strained, inflamed, or misaligned, it can lead to a range of symptoms that many Filipinos may not immediately associate with jaw problems.
Here in the Philippines—especially in highly urbanized areas like Quezon City—TMJ Disorder is becoming increasingly common due to lifestyle, stress, work habits, and even airway-related conditions.
Many patients I see in Quezon City come in with symptoms they’ve been struggling with for months or even years. Some of the most common include:
These symptoms can be confusing because they resemble many other conditions. That’s why TMJ Disorder is often misdiagnosed or overlooked.
Several factors contribute to the rise of TMJ Disorder among Filipinos, particularly in Quezon City:
Busy city life, long commutes, and workload stress often lead to unconscious teeth grinding or clenching—major triggers of TMJ problems.
Many cases of TMJ Disorder are linked to airway issues and poor sleep. As a dentist trained in Dental Sleep Medicine, I often see how sleep problems worsen jaw conditions.
Chewing on one side, nail biting, or frequently eating tough foods can overload the jaw joint.
Crowded teeth, missing teeth, or improper bite can put strain on the TMJ.
Prolonged screen time affects posture, leading to forward head position and jaw tension—very common among students and professionals in QC.
A proper diagnosis is essential to achieving long-term relief. During a TMJ evaluation in my Quezon City clinic, I perform:
Each patient’s TMJ condition is unique, so the treatment plan must be carefully tailored.
Most TMJ disorders can be treated without surgery. In my practice, we design personalized treatment plans that may include:
Custom appliances to correct jaw position and reduce strain.
To ease tension and restore normal function.
Ensures even contact and harmony between teeth and joints.
Includes stress reduction, posture corrections, and sleep health guidance.
Addressing sleep apnea or breathing issues that may be contributing to TMJ problems.
Most patients feel significant improvement within weeks, especially when treated early.
Being one of the most populated and fast-paced areas in Metro Manila, Quezon City residents are more prone to stress, fatigue, and muscle tension—all of which can aggravate TMJ Disorder.
Seeking care from a dentist trained in TMJ, Orofacial Pain, and Dental Sleep Medicine ensures that the treatment goes beyond symptom management and targets the root cause of your discomfort.
TMJ Disorder can affect your daily life, from eating and speaking to sleeping and working. But with proper diagnosis and personalized treatment, long-term relief is possible.
If you experience persistent jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or sleep-related symptoms, don’t ignore them—TMJ Disorder may be the underlying cause.
Professional TMJ evaluation is available in Quezon City to help you get the right care, relief, and guidance.
? Visit TMJ Sleep / Micu Dental Clinic in MICU Dental Clinic, 2nd Level East Wing, Edsa cor.
Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines, 1110
? Connect here ? Facebook.com/DrMaEdithaMicuRamos
