The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a hinge, connecting your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. This joint allows your jaw to move up, down, and side to side, enabling you to yawn, chew, and speak. When these simple tasks become painful or difficult, it could be a sign of temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly known as TMD or TMJ disorder.
Common Causes of TMJ Disorder
Even if you aren’t currently experiencing symptoms, understanding the causes of TMJ disorder can help you prevent future problems. Some of the most common causes include:
- Jaw injuries or trauma to the head and neck muscles (such as from whiplash).
- Misalignment or displacement of the soft disc between the joint's ball and socket.
- Stress-related muscle tension, including clenching or grinding your teeth.
- Arthritis affecting the joint.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
How can you tell if your jaw discomfort is temporary soreness or something more serious like TMJ disorder? Here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw joint, face, neck, and shoulders when moving your jaw.
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide when eating, yawning, or talking.
- Jaw locking in either an open or closed position.
- Hearing clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint, with or without pain.
- Swelling on one side of the face.
- Feeling like your face is tired or strained.
Early Diagnosis is Key
TMJ discomfort doesn’t have to disrupt your life. At Espire Dental, our experienced team can help diagnose and treat TMJ symptoms early, so you can regain comfort and functionality.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, visit our website to schedule an appointment today. Let’s work together to keep your jaw healthy and pain-free!
.svg)
