TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders refer to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.

These disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Trauma or injury to the jaw joint.
• Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching).
• Arthritis in the TMJ.
• Malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth or jaw).
• Stress, which can lead to muscle tension and jaw clenching.
• Poor posture, which can affect the alignment of the jaw.

Common signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing or opening the mouth wide.
• Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when moving the jaw.
• Difficulty or pain while opening or closing the mouth.
• Locking of the jaw joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth fully.
• Headaches, earaches, or neck pain.
• Facial pain or discomfort.