Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

July 18, 2022

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) join the upper and lower jaws together. They also facilitate muscular movement in the area. If these joints develop problems, they could lead to a TMJ disorder (TMD) and might require TMJ treatment on Marco Island.

woman in need of TMJ Treatment in Marco Island

Signs of Problems With the TMJ

Below are four common symptoms that might mean a problem with your temporomandibular joints.

Lockjaw

Commonly associated with tetanus, lockjaw results in an inability to properly move and use the jaw muscles. The condition brings considerable pain to the patient and could impede saliva production, leading to oral health issues. The mouth’s impaired movement also results in speech problems and difficulty swallowing.

Painful or Difficult Chewing

Since they control the jaw muscles, any inflammation of the TMJ also results in difficulty chewing food. Often, the jaw muscles must work harder. This also causes pain during movement.

Pain Around the Ears

The ear canal sits behind the temporomandibular joint. If the joint becomes inflamed, it will exert pressure on the middle ear. This results in pain. Some people also report tinnitus or ringing in the ears during TMJ attacks. However, tinnitus and ear pain don’t always mean TMD. You will have to consult an ENT specialist to confirm the diagnosis.

Clicking Sound When Moving the Mouth

A popping or clicking sound means that the joint has started eroding. Certain behaviors like frequent chewing, jaw clenching, lip biting, and teeth grinding put pressure on the TMJ. Over time, the damage worsens and leads to TMJ disorders. Other conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis could also cause TMD.

How Is TMD Treated?

In most cases, TMJ pain is manageable with pain killers and self-managed care. Some people use a night guard to prevent jaw clenching or bruxism while sleeping. Surgery is also available, but patients are urged to consider it only as a last resort.