If you have been experiencing pain and other symptoms in or around your jaw joint, you may be wondering if you have TMJ. This painful and debilitating disorder can impact your life in many ways. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the common signs and symptoms and seek medical attention from a dentist if you do.
What is TMJ?
TMJ is the acronym for the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorders (TMDs) are a group of conditions that impact the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. However, many people use the acronym “TMJ” to refer to these conditions.
Common Signs and Symptoms of TMJ
TMD frequently leads to severe pain, swelling, and discomfort. One or both sides of the jaw can be impacted. This condition is common among people between the ages of 20 and 40.
Common symptoms of TMD/TMJ include:
- Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck, and shoulders, in or around the ears when chewing, speaking, or opening wide
- Difficulties trying to open the mouth wide
- Toothaches
- Problems chewing or a sudden painful or uncomfortable bite—as if the upper and lower teeth aren’t going together as they usually should
- Jaws that get “stuck” or “locked” in an open- or closed-mouth position
- Popping, clicking, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when chewing or opening or closing the mouth (may also be accompanied by pain)
- Swelling on one or both sides of the face
- Feeling tired in the face
- Hearing problems
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Earaches
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers
- Headaches or migraines
- Dizziness
Any of these symptoms, or a combination thereof, could indicate that you have a problem with your TMJ and should seek a consultation with a qualified dentist in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ
What Causes TMJ?
Various factors can cause TMJ. Some of the most common ones include teeth grinding and clenching, experiencing significant stress, sustaining an injury that affects the jaw, an arthritis diagnosis, or having several crooked teeth. Once the cause of your TMJ is identified, treatment can be much easier.
Will TMJ Disorder Get Worse if Untreated?
People with TMJ who do not undergo treatment will likely experience more severe symptoms over time. Unfortunately, the longer someone lives with this disorder without treatment, the more likely it is to progress. When long-time TMJ patients finally undergo treatment because their symptoms are worsening, they will often need more intensive and lengthy treatment. As such, general dentists typically recommend treatment starts as symptoms appear so the disorder is appropriately managed and hopefully remedied long-term.
Seek Help for TMJ Symptoms at Maine Dentistry Today
If you believe you are experiencing signs and symptoms of TMJ, please contact one of our convenient office locations today. We will expedite your appointment for a full exam. If you do have TMJ, our providers will help determine an appropriate course of treatment so that we can get you feeling better and functioning as soon as possible.