There are several factors that can cause the TMJ to function improperly—and cause pain and discomfort as a result. The following are some of the most common signs of an issue with the TMJ, so don’t ignore them!

Headaches

Headaches can result from muscle tension from an improperly functioning TMJ [1]. The muscles and connective tissue that allow the TMJ to function can be strained when the joint is out of alignment, leading to tension.

This tension can then spread throughout the head, neck, and even the shoulders and upper back. People who experience headaches regularly with no known cause might consider visiting their dentist for an assessment of their TMJ to determine if this jaw joint could be at the root of the issue!

Jaw Popping or Clicking

Another common sign of a problem with the TMJ that often goes ignored are odd sounds that happen when chewing, speaking, or yawning. For some, these sounds will only be audible to the person experiencing them, while for others, these noises are obvious even to other people. The noises can vary but could include clicking, grinding, popping, or even crunching sounds [2].

If you’re experiencing any of these sounds when you move your jaw in correlation with the other signs discussed here, you could have a TMJ disorder!

Ear Trouble

Many people don’t realize that a problem with the ears could actually point to a problem with your temporomandibular joint. If you frequently experience ear pain or aching around the ear, don’t overlook the TMJ as a potential cause [3].

Some people who have a TMJ disorder also experience tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing noise in the ears only audible to the experiencer. Because the temporomandibular joint is so close to the ears, it’s important not to rule out its role in ear discomfort or problems.

Discomfort When Chewing or Speaking

Another common sign of TMJ disorders is pain or discomfort when the jaw is in motion, such as when chewing or speaking [4]. However, for some people, this pain is chronic and may persist even when the jaw is at rest.

You may also experience sore facial muscles, and the discomfort may be intermittent or persistent. For many patients with TMJ issues, this discomfort impacts their daily life and will require some form of treatment to remedy.

Are You Experiencing Signs of TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorders are treatable! By following up with your experienced dentist, you can uncover the root cause of your TMJ discomfort. Your dentist can help you find the right treatment to alleviate your discomfort, so don’t hesitate to ask your dentist about your jaw pain!

Sources:
1. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/your-jaw-may-be-to-blame-for-your-migraine-
headaches/
2. https://www.cda-
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941
4. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-

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Inherited Genes

Many of the misalignment problems dentists and orthodontists see today are hereditary, meaning they were likely inherited genes that were passed on to you from one of your parents. This could mean that you have a small mouth with too many teeth, different sized upper and lower jaws, or complex bite problems that’ll need to be fixed with orthodontic treatment. This is one of the most common causes of misaligned bites and can create problems that’ll need to be addressed by your dentist. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to prevent this cause of misalignment!

Overuse of Pacifier and Bottle Feeding

What you do as a child can affect your smile as you get older, despite the fact that you lose your primary teeth and get adult teeth in long before you notice there’s a problem. If you used a pacifier after the age of three or were still using a bottle after this age, chances are this affected the bite and structure of your teeth. Dentists commonly see an open bite with this problem that originated in early childhood.

Another problem that could lead to malocclusions of the teeth could be thumb sucking. While it’s normal for babies to suck their thumbs, any excessive use of this can alter the structure of your teeth. If you have children, do your best to discourage these habits long before they can become problems that will require dental treatment.

Injury

Injury to your face or mouth could cause a misaligned bite. This includes accidents, but it could also include subpar dental care, such as poorly fitted restorative dentistry work like dental fillings and dental crowns. Even poor orthodontic work could negatively affect your bite and cause more problems that it was intended to fix!

Injury may also come from losing your baby teeth too early (before the age of four years and six months) or even losing your adult teeth. You may also have tumors that are causing your misalignment, which are always imperative to get checked out with your doctor.

While malocclusions of the teeth can be obvious in appearance for some people, in others, only symptoms will appear such as difficulty chewing or speaking. Your dentist is often the first person who sees that there’s a problem and can help you plan steps to correct it along with your orthodontist. If you experience mouth breathing, uncomfortable chewing, or even problems pronouncing words, schedule an appointment with your dentist. A misaligned bite could be to blame!

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Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

You’ve likely heard of TMJ disorders, where a misalignment, trauma, or incorrect bite could result in jaw pain and odd sounds. People often experience clicking or popping noises when opening and closing their mouth in addition to headaches, jaw tightness, and even teeth grinding as a result of these conditions.

These disorders can be very uncomfortable, but fortunately, your dentist may be able to help! Talk to your dentist about any jaw pain including any tension or tightness that you’re experiencing. He or she can perform a simple jaw exam to determine if your bite or your temporomandibular joint could be the problem.

Stress or Anxiety

Many people are taught to keep their emotions to themselves and deal with feelings such as anxiety or stress inwardly. This can lead to tension throughout the body, and you may experience this tension in your jaw muscles. When you’re under pressure or feeling stressed out, you may tighten your jaw in response to these stressors, leading to jaw tightness and tension.

There are other ways to handle stress and anxiety rather than placing the pressure on your jaw or your muscles. This type of tension could lead to dull headaches or even intense migraines and can worsen your existing stress. Talk to your doctor or your dentist about healthy habits for handling stress rather than taking that tension in your jaw!

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Do you know if you grind your teeth? Teeth grinding is a common habit that many people aren’t aware they have. Whether you grind your teeth in times of stress or even while sleeping, this could be the sneaky culprit behind your jaw tightness and tension. Bruxism is the technical name for teeth grinding, and bruxism can be extremely damaging to your teeth and put immense pressure on your jaw.

If you grind your teeth at night, you may wake up with jaw pain, a dull headache, or even sore teeth and gums. Since bruxism puts so much pressure on your teeth, this can lead to chips and fractures, enamel erosion, and inflammation, all of which can increase your risk for tooth loss over time. Talk to your dentist about bruxism—he or she can perform an exam and determine if you’re exhibiting signs of teeth grinding that can benefit from treatment.

You don’t have to live with jaw tightness and tension. These symptoms often point to a larger problem that can easily be addressed with your dentist. No one should have to live with pain, so talk to your dentist about your jaw aches and tension to see what’s causing it. There is treatment for bruxism, stress, and TMJ disorders!

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TMJ are the temporomandibular joints, the joints on the side of your face that allow your jaws to move. Problems with these joints are common, which isn’t surprising when you think about how much work they do. TMJ disorder happens when the smooth operation of the joints that we are born with wears down. The symptoms of TMJ disorder often go unnoticed because they are mistaken for something else. Headaches and facial pain are a primary symptom of TMJ disorder, but are often assumed to be caused by other factors. Clicking sounds when you open your jaws and jaw pain when you open your mouth are less common symptoms of TMJ disorder. Even without these symptoms, chronic headaches or pain anywhere in the face or neck could be an indication that TMJ disorder is present.

The most common treatment for TMJ disorder is a dental appliance, called a splint, which a dentist fits to your mouth so that it fits precisely. The splint helps to position your jaws correctly so that pain is alleviated. You can wear the splint while you sleep and it can decrease or eliminate headaches and neck pain that you may have been accustomed to waking up with.

In severe cases of TMJ disorder, surgical treatment may be recommended. For most people, non-invasive treatment such as a splint provides satisfactory relief. In some cases, problems with the alignment of the bite can contribute to TMJ symptoms and pain. If this is the case, correcting the bite with orthodontics could relieve TMJ symptoms.

If you have clicking jaws, chronic headaches, neck pain or facial pain, a trip to the dentist could reveal the presence of TMJ disorder. Dental treatment can be a simple way to get rid of the pain.

For more information, make an appointment with your dentist today.

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