What Is TMJ Disorder?
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull and allows you to chew, speak, and yawn. When that joint or the muscles around it become strained or inflamed, it's often called TMJ disorder, or TMD. It can be caused by teeth grinding, jaw injury, arthritis, or simply chronic muscle tension, and it's fairly common — many people experience some degree of it at some point.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms include pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, or around the ear, clicking or popping when opening or closing your mouth, difficulty opening wide, and headaches that seem to originate near the temples or jaw. Symptoms can range from mild and occasional to persistent enough to interfere with eating or talking comfortably.
How It's Managed
Many cases improve with conservative measures: a custom nightguard or splint, moist heat, gentle jaw stretches, and avoiding hard or chewy foods during a flare-up. I'll evaluate your bite and jaw movement to identify likely contributing factors. More persistent or severe cases may benefit from a referral to a specialist alongside dental treatment.
Questions About This?
I'm always happy to talk through your specific situation in more detail — call the office or book a visit anytime.