What Is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
The TMJ joint connects the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone of the skull, which is located in front of the ear on each side of the head. These joints are flexible, enabling you to talk, yawn and chew. They also enable the jaw to move up and down and side to side easily.
What causes TMD?
No one knows for sure what causes TMD. However, dentists believe TMD occurs due to problems with the jaw muscles or with parts of the joint. TMD may also occur because of a lack of coordination with the joint and bite function. Persons with TMD may experience severe pain and discomfort temporarily or for several years. Typically, more women experience TMD than men, and the condition is more common between the ages of 20 and 40.
Common symptoms of TMD include:
Headaches- Toothaches
- Dizziness
- Neckaches
- Earaches
- Hearing problems
- Ringing in the ears
- Pain in the upper shoulder
- Swelling on the side of the face
- An uncomfortable bite or difficulty chewing
- A tired feeling in the face
- Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (may or may not be painful)
- Jaws lock in an open or close mouth position
- Unable to open the mouth very wide
- Tenderness or pain in the face, jaw joint, shoulders, neck, or in and around the ear when chewing, speaking or opening your mouth wide
If you have symptoms of TMD, we recommend that you schedule an appointment for an evaluation. At that time, we will arrange to discuss your treatment options based on our examination.