A TMJ disorder is best diagnosed by a professional dentist who can evaluate the signs and
symptoms of your TMJ pain and talk with you about treatment. In the meantime, what are the
signs that a person might have a TMJ disorder?

Clicking or Popping Noises in Your Jaw

One of the most common signs that a person has an issue with their TMJ is a cracking, clicking,
or popping noise in the jaw. This noise is most commonly heard when opening or closing your
mouth, such as when speaking or chewing.

These noises can not only be aggravating, but usually come with some discomfort as well,
making them a sign of TMJ disorders that shouldn’t be ignored.

Jaw Pain or Additional Pain

People who suffer from a TMJ disorder commonly have jaw pain or other pain that radiates
tension throughout their head, neck, and in some cases, even the shoulders and back. When
the joint isn’t able to function properly, the jaw muscles surrounding the joint can become
tense and sore.

This tension can then radiate outwards and cause everything from jaw pain to headaches and
neck and back pain. Even earaches have been associated with TMJ pain, so don’t hesitate to
talk with your dentist if you’re having unexplained pain in your jaw that’s affecting other areas
of your body.

You Have Unexplainable Medical Problems

If you have medical problems that can’t be explained by any other cause, it might be a TMJ
disorder. These conditions may include:

* Chronic ear pain or infections. If these infections or pain don’t have any specific cause, it might be time to get your TMJ checked out—this joint is located very close to the ear and can cause problems!

* Ringing in the ears. If you have tinnitus without any definitive cause, this could be the result of a TMJ disorder as well.

* Bruxism. If you grind your teeth, you may be seeing signs of a TMJ disorder. Bruxism can happen for people who have a misaligned bite and can put excessive pressure on the jaw, therefore aggravating your TMJ. In addition, grinding your teeth can also be caused by tension in your jaw and therefore be a sign of a problem with your TMJ.

* Migraines. Tension headaches or migraines have long been associated with problems
with the TMJ. Any unexplained or persistent migraines may warrant an exam from your dentist!

Don’t wait to get any of the above problems evaluated to see if TMJ could be the culprit!

Are you seeing signs of a TMJ disorder in your daily life? Your dentist can examine your jaw as
well as your bite to provide you with a more specific diagnosis. Make an appointment with your
dentist today—TMJ disorders are treatable and you don’t have to suffer from these signs and
symptoms!

The post How Do I Know if I Have TMJ? What Are the Signs? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Headaches

Headaches are a common symptom of TMJ and could range from mild to migraine-like. Headaches can happen because of the way your jaw works when chewing—there may be pressure on places where there shouldn’t be pressure, and often the neck and jaw muscles tend to be sore and carry tension, which can result in headaches as well. If you’re a common sufferer of headaches, you may want to check with your dentist to see if TMJ could be the cause.

Noise

Many people with TMJ experience odd sounds when they chew or open and close their mouths, as this is the most common symptom of the disorder. These noises could range from a clicking or ticking noise to a popping sound to even a grinding noise. These sounds are often annoying to people who experience them and they may be persistent or worsen over time. These clicking and popping noises may be painful when they happen or may be loud enough for others to hear. This noise can happen as the result of the joint being displaced and is usually uncomfortable regardless of whether or not any pain is experienced.

Pain

For some people, TMJ is merely uncomfortable. For others, however, it can be very painful. Your jaw muscles are very powerful, and when your joints in your jaw aren’t working correctly, this can create immense pressure and tension which could lead to painful headaches, sore muscles, and even pain when chewing or speaking. Some people may only experience pain when opening their mouths wide, such as when yawning, others may experience pain anytime they open their mouth, which can be very uncomfortable.

Ear or Facial Discomfort

People with TMJ will often experience an odd feeling their ears and have facial pain from the tense muscles and locking jaw. You may also experience pain in your ear or around the ear, or even a popping sound in your ear. Facial discomfort from TMJ could range from having sore neck or jaw muscles to having sensitive temples and more. Everyone is different and so not everyone will necessarily experience the same TMJ symptoms.

If you suspect you have TMJ or are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit your dentist. Although traditional doctors are appropriate as well, your dentist is trained specially in oral health care and can often diagnose TMJ before your primary care doctor would consider it as the cause. There is treatment for TMJ, so seek help for your symptoms!

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The post Be Aware of These Top Signs for TMJ Disorder appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.