The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the temporal bones of the skull.
There are a number of symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorders:
- Pain in the face and in the joint in front of the ear
- Clicking of the jaw when opening your mouth or chewing
- Headaches and even migraines
- Limited opening of the jaw
Recurring headaches, tooth sensitivity and muscle weakness when chewing can also occur with TMJ disorders.
TMJ disorders are generally caused by anxiety, tension or stress, which contribute to bad habits such as unconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth. Nail-biting and chewing objects, such as toothpicks or pens, could also cause a TMJ disorder over the long term.
There is no single remedy for a TMJ disorder; however, there are various treatments to minimize symptoms.
If you think you have a TMJ disorder, we encourage you to consult a dentist, who will be able to tell you more about the solutions available to you and the ways to relieve your symptoms.
