Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJD) refers to a variety of conditions affecting the jaw joint and the muscles surrounding it. There are a variety of treatment plans that a dentist may recommend for patients who have been diagnosed or think they may have a TMJ disorder. Diagnosing TMJ disorder typically involves taking X-rays, conducting an oral exam, and discussing your medical history with your dentist. Based on your diagnosis, your dentist may recommend certain lifestyle changes and treatments to relieve your symptoms.

TMJ disorder can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Some of them include:

Jaw Pain

Jaw pain is the most common symptom of TMJ disorder. This pain may be felt in the jaw or in the muscles surrounding the jaw. It often comes and goes and is sometimes accompanied by an earache.

Difficulty Chewing

If you've noticed that you're having difficulty chewing, it could be a symptom related to TMJ disorder. You may notice food gets stuck in your teeth or that your food doesn't get chewed properly. You may also notice a weak jaw or that it gets stuck frequently.

These are all symptoms that can result from TMJ disorder. While TMJ disorder can stem from several different causes, it's typically the result of teeth grinding or other unconscious habits.

Tenderness and Stiffness

You may feel tenderness in the jaw, especially near the temporomandibular joint. You may also experience stiffness in your jaw.

The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull. When it becomes inflamed, it is known as TMJ disorder.

Clicking or Popping of the Jaw

Clicking or popping of the jaw can be a symptom of TMJ disorder or TMD. This can happen when the jaw is out of alignment, and certain teeth are unable to glide against each other. This clicking or popping sound is when the jaw is attempting to reset itself.

The popping or clicking sound may go away on its own, but if it persists and is accompanied by pain, you should schedule an appointment with our dentist.

Limited Jaw Movement

A TMJ disorder can cause your jaw not to move. As your jaw muscles are weak, you might not be able to open your jaw all the way. You might even feel as though your jaw locks when you open your mouth. You might also experience pain in your jaw when you chew or open your mouth or when you move your jaw from side to side.

Headaches

Headaches are a common symptom of TMJ disorder. Some patients report having tension headaches. Others describe more severe headaches that keep them awake and interfere with their daily routine.

If the headaches occur frequently, you should seek treatment. Typically, jaw pain is more severe than headache pain. However, if the joint is misaligned, it may place stress on the muscles of the head and neck. As a result, you may experience tension and discomfort in the muscles of the head.

Earaches or Ringing in the Ears

When TMJ disorder causes pain in the ears or ringing in the ears, it's usually because the disorder is affecting your jaw joints. The joints may pop or click when you open and close your mouth, and this can cause pain in your ears. You may also have sensitive teeth and feel like your teeth are loose.

To learn more about our treatments, please reach out to our dental practice in Cypress, TX, and have a consultation with our dentist. Call us at (832) 353-3600 or schedule an online appointment, and we'll guide you further.