Symptoms of TMJ
Sometimes, these symptoms are temporary, and other times, they last for many years. These symptoms are not always indicative of a TMJ disorder, so it is imperative to consult with your dentist about any of these symptoms.
Typical TMJ symptoms include:
- Pain or aches in the facial muscles
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- Pain while chewing
- Aches or pains in the area of either ear
- A “clicking” sound while talking/chewing
- Pain or tenderness in the neck and shoulder areas
- Swelling on the side of your face
Causes of TMJ
It is often difficult to pinpoint the cause of a TMJ disorder, but the following causes are possibilities:
- The joint may be injured due to an impact in the TMJ area
- The TMJ may be under pressure due to regular grinding or clenching of the teeth
- The disk within the TMJ may be misaligned
- The TMJ may be under pressure due to constant stress and tension of the facial muscles
- A patient may experience rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
There seems to be no single solution for resolving TMJ disorders, but options include the replacement of missing teeth, the adjustment of a patient’s bite, the realignment of the teeth, filling gaps that have developed between the teeth, or other basic dental treatments.
