Millions of people may not realize that they are suffering from TMJ symptoms. This article will discuss the warning signs of the disorder and other TMJ symptoms related to it. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition in which problems occur in the bone joints of the jaw. The temporomandibular joint connects the mandible to the skull which is located near the temporal bone. Because the mandible functions in chewing, problems in this region may cause headaches, ear pain, neck pain or even a locked jaw. TMJ disorder is not a specific disease. It refers to the general condition and problems that arise in the temporomandibular joint. A person with TMJ symptoms may experience difficulty in eating, biting or opening the mouth. The temporomandibular joint is made up of bones, muscles and nerves. The muscles found in this area function when the person chews, bites or engages in other movements that open or close the mouth, such as talking and yawning.

TMJ Symptoms and Signs

tmjsymptoms TMJ Symptoms: What You Need to Know

TMJ Symptoms

Pain: A person with TMJ disorder may experience facial and joint pain that sometimes radiates to the shoulders and neck. Pain can also be felt while talking and chewing. Pain is mostly experienced in front of the ear (temporal area), but may also extend to the skull or jaw. Because joints are overstretched in TMJ symptoms, a person may experience muscle spasms. In addition, the person may feel dizzy, nauseated and may have headaches or migraines.

Ear symptoms: TMJ symptoms are sometimes misdiagnosed as ear infections. People with this disorder may also suffer from tinnitus (abnormal sounds heard in the ears), ear pain (Otalgia) or even may lose their sense of hearing.

Abnormal sounds: In TMJ disorder, abnormal sounds are heard when joints are moved. These sounds are often described as popping or clicking. Sometimes the sounds may seem louder than other people would hear them. The abnormal sounds of TMJ disorder are brought by the misalignment of discs and joints.

Inflammation: Due to excessive movement or use of joints, membranes and joints in the jaw may become inflamed. Swelling may be observed in the affected area as one of the TMJ symptoms.

Lock Jaw: The person with TMJ disorder may not be able to open his mouth fully. He may exhibit lock jaw and experience biting problems. Some may feel that their jaws are deviated to the other side. Pain can still be present.

Dysphagia: A person may experience dysphagia or difficulty of swallowing because of muscle pain and spasms.

Speech Abnormality: A person with TMJ symptoms may have problems with speech clarity due to teeth misalignment and inflammation.

Teeth Loss: In the worst cases, teeth may dislodge due to the strong force exerted on teeth by the jaw, especially when accompanied by teeth clenching and grinding.

Causes of TMJ Symptoms

Trauma: When a person tightens his jaw and grinds his teeth (Bruxism), it brings trauma to the temporomandibular joint. Excessive muscle movement may inflame the joint membranes, and can misalign the teeth. These are very common complaints of individuals who experience pain in the temporomandibular area. Traumatic accidents or a punch or blow to the jaw area may dislocate the temporomandibular joint and break the jaw cartilages or bones, causing TMJ symptoms. TMJ disorder is not a tooth illness. When you regularly visit your dentist, avoid opening or stretching your mouth for long periods of time if possible, as this may also cause a problem. Management includes allowing resting periods and massaging the areas while undergoing dental treatment.

Biting abnormalities: Teeth grinding and clenching are two of the most common medical causes of TMJ disorder. Bruxism (the medical term for teeth grinding or teeth clenching) may result in TMJ symptoms such as muscle spasms and pain. This mostly happens during sleep. The excessive use of temporomandibular muscles and improper teeth alignment will cause changes to the temporomandibular joint. Teeth clenching happens when the individual continuously bites or engages in movements that make the teeth in come into contact with each other repeatedly. The person is considered to be teeth clenching when he bites a pen or pencil, chewing gum obsessively or uncontrollably biting his nails. These activities bring tension to the jaw, thus, causing pain and TMJ symptoms.

Arthritis: Temporomandibular Joint disorder is a problem in the joint, and like any other joint in the body, it undergoes degeneration. Joint changes are a normal process of aging. Joints can begin to weaken and eventually, break down. Arthritis can destroy the cartilages and inflame the joints, which may result in joint deformation. For example, children with rheumatoid arthritis are commonly affected by TMJ symptoms.

While TMJ symptoms are not life threatening, ignoring these signs and symptoms can make the problem severe and can certainly affect your everyday activities. If you feel that you have TMJ symptoms or signs, be sure to consult with your doctor or dentist as soon as possible to discuss diagnosis and possible treatment.

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