However, these joints can also cause problems for those who have misaligned teeth, an improper bite, or arthritis. TMJ disorders can cause many symptoms, including clicking or popping noises, inability to open the mouth all the way, and jaw pain.

But what are some other, more unexpected symptoms of TMJ you may not have heard of?

Ear Pain

Ear aches or infections can happen as the result of TMJ issues [1]. Since the temporomandibular joints are so close to the ears, ear problems may be misdiagnosed when really the TMJ is the culprit.

People who have ear problems as the result of TMJ may have a feeling of fullness in their ear or tinnitus (ringing of the ears). While experts aren’t sure why this happens, your dentist can help diagnose any TMJ problems, especially if you’ve received treatment for ear issues that hasn’t helped.

Affected Vision

Your vision in one or both eyes may be affected as the result of TMJ inflammation or malfunction [2]. But why does this happen?

The temporomandibular joints are very close to a major nerve called the trigeminal nerve, which is also linked to your vision in addition to your jaw and brain. If these joints are inflamed, they may affect your vision.

Problems may include blurry vision, “tired” eyes, a feeling of pressure behind the eyes, or even light sensitivity or watery eyes.

Neck or Shoulder Pain

TMJ problems often lead to muscle tension in the jaw, which can cause pain and tension to radiate outward to affect your neck and even your shoulders and upper back [3].

In addition, to compensate for jaw pain as the result of TMJ, you may unconsciously hold your head or neck in an unnatural position to help reduce your discomfort. Poor posture is a symptom of TMJ discomfort, but can also be a cause as well!

Dizziness

Since TMJ disorders can affect the ears, some people may experience dizziness. The muscles and connective tissue that support the jaw can experience inflammation as a result of a problem with the TMJ, and this, in turn, can affect the inner ear.

The inner ear helps manage your sense of balance, so a problem with your inner ear as the result of TMJ inflammation could lead to vertigo as a symptom of TMJ disorders [4].

Numbness or Tingling

Since the TMJ is so close to the trigeminal nerve, any inflammation around these joints could possibly lead to numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, or fingers as the result of a pinched trigeminal nerve. You may also experience weakness or an aching feeling in these areas [5].

While this isn’t a common symptom, it’s something to consider if you’re having other TMJ symptoms in addition to symptoms of a pinched nerve.

Are You Experiencing Any of These Symptoms?

TMJ disorders are treatable. If you’re experiencing any of these or the more common symptoms of a problem with your temporomandibular joints, don’t hesitate to seek help from your experienced dentist!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296994/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5045971/
3. https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2016/april/tmj-
the-small-joint-that-can-cause-big-pain
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296954/
5. http://www.ajnr.org/content/30/7/1414

The post The Unexpected Symptoms of TMJ appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

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-

The post Don’t Ignore These Common Symptoms of TMJ appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Abnormal Bite or Misaligned Teeth

The position of your jaw and teeth can influence teeth grinding [1]. If you have an abnormal bite (also called a malocclusion) or crooked teeth, you’re at greater risk to grind your teeth than someone who has proper jaw and teeth alignment.

Fortunately, most cases of malocclusion can be treated with oral appliances such as orthodontic treatment. People who have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder may also be at increased risk to grind their teeth, and should seek treatment for this condition to potentially improve their bruxism [2].

Stress and Anxiety

Many cases of teeth grinding are suspected to be caused by stress [3]. People who experience chronic stress or suffer from an anxiety disorder may be more likely to grind their teeth either while asleep or awake.

Taking steps to reduce your stress and anxiety may help improve your bruxism; however, while you seek treatment, getting a mouthguard from your dentist is essential to protect your teeth from further damage.

Sleep Disorders

The link between bruxism and sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been well documented. People who have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea are more likely to experience bruxism.

Fortunately, research suggests that treating sleep apnea may help eliminate bruxism entirely [4]. If you suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, your dentist can refer you to a sleep specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Other Causes

Other research has linked teeth grinding to tobacco use, smoking, and alcohol and drug abuse [5]. The reason for this isn’t exactly clear, but the association could mean people who use drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are more likely to grind their teeth.

Caffeine consumption has also been linked to bruxism, suggesting that people who suffer from teeth grinding may want to reduce or eliminate their caffeine consumption in the hours before bed to potentially help the disorder.

Don’t Ignore Bruxism!

Bruxism can wear down teeth over time, leading to flattened or shortened teeth, tooth sensitivity, and even teeth fractures. An exam with your dentist can tell if you grind your teeth and help uncover the cause to stop your bruxism and protect your teeth!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529927/
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/A_new_way_for_TMJ
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-grinding/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14592147
5. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(16)30541-4/fulltext

The post How to Identify the Cause of Your Bruxism appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Patients who experience craniofacial pain may have headaches, earaches, or even neck pain,
although the symptoms will vary from person to person based on the root cause of the
discomfort [1]. Why would a person experience craniofacial pain?

TMJ Disorders

The most common reason that people have chronic facial pain is due to the
temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ disorders refer specifically to the joint that connects the upper and lower jaw. This joint is powerful and complex; however, it’s also prone to certain problems.

Due to a bite misalignment, teeth grinding, or a unique facial structure, a person could have a
TMJ disorder that causes symptoms such as a clicking jaw, inability to fully open their mouth,
and facial pain.

TMJ disorders are treatable so don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist if you
have craniofacial pain that could be the result of a problem with your TMJ.

Stress

It sounds like an odd thing to cause craniofacial pain, but it’s true: stress can trigger chronic
facial pain.

Constant physical or psychological stress can lead to muscle tension that can radiate
throughout the neck and head. Poor posture could be involved as well—when the body is
constantly trying to compensate for an incorrect position, neck or upper back pain can be the
result.

Depending on what’s causing your stress, you can work to manage your daily stressors and curb
your craniofacial pain with the help of your physician.

Sleep Disorders

Although the connection between sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and
craniofacial pain isn’t well understood, many medical professionals acknowledge that there is a
connection between the two [2].

In addition, sleep issues and TMJ disorders can often coexist. While not every person who
experiences craniofacial pain will have a sleep disorder—and vice versa—it may be worth ruling
out a sleep issue when addressing your chronic facial pain with your dentist.

Symptoms of a potential sleep disorder include daytime fatigue, headaches, snoring, mood
disorders, waking up frequently at night, or even memory loss. If your dentist suspects you
suffer from a sleep disorder, he or she will refer you to a sleep specialist for further diagnosis.

What’s Causing Your Craniofacial Pain?

The causes of craniofacial pain will vary from person to person, so your treatment plan will be
custom to you. Managing your pain may require a multi-faceted approach depending on what
the cause is suspected to be.

The good news is that you don’t have to live with chronic facial pain. There is treatment and
hope, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist to begin determining the
cause!

Sources:

1. http://www.abcp-us.org/resources/imposter.cfm
2. https://www.aapmd.org/craniofacial-pain-treatments

The post What Is Craniofacial Pain, and Why Do You Have It? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Jaw tightness can range from mild to severe and be most painful when moving the jaw, such as
when chewing or speaking. In fact, some people experience such severe jaw tightness that they
feel the discomfort radiate throughout their face and neck.

But what exactly causes jaw tightness? The following are the most common causes of this
painful condition that may require professional treatment.

Bruxism

Bruxism, the technical term for teeth grinding, can cause the muscles in your jaw and face to
experience tension. Sometimes, this tension can cause headaches if left untreated.
Teeth grinding can have numerous causes, with the most common being stress and an
improper bite. When the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together correctly, it can make teeth
grinding more likely to occur.

If you’re grinding your teeth, you may be doing it at night while you sleep or during times of
stress and not realize it. Symptoms of teeth grinding include a sore jaw, unexplained
headaches, and aching teeth. Fortunately, you can protect your teeth from grinding—you may
need a nightly mouthguard, orthodontic treatment, or stress management to help stop this
harmful habit.

TMJ Disorder

When your temporomandibular joint doesn’t work correctly, it can put undue stress on the
surrounding muscles. This stress can cause pain and tightness in the jaw, and you may even
have ear pain, neck pain, or headaches as well.

TMJ disorders will need a professional diagnosis to be treated. Depending on what’s causing
your TMJ pain, you may be able to engage in stress management to help the problem go away.
For others—such as those whose TMJ pain is caused by an external factor such as a misaligned
bite—further treatment may be necessary.

Symptoms of a TMJ disorder include not being able to fully open your mouth, clicking noises
when moving the jaw, or general jaw pain even when the jaw is at rest.

Improper Bite

If your teeth don’t properly align, your jaw won’t be able to function as well as it needs to. An
improper bite, such as an open bite, crossbite, underbite, or overbite, can cause uneven wear
on the teeth and strain on the jaw muscles.

Fortunately, most misaligned bites can be treated with simple orthodontic appliances. Your
dentist can normally tell if your bite is off and refer you to an orthodontist if necessary. Don’t
ignore an incorrect bite—a healthy bite can help reduce your jaw pain!

Are you experiencing uncomfortable jaw tightness and don’t know the cause? Your dentist can
help you determine what’s causing your pain and work with you to implement a successful
treatment plan to fix it. When jaw tightness is impacting your life, don’t wait to seek help!

The post What Causes Jaw Tightness? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

An estimated 10 million people experience some type of problem with their TMJ, whether it’s
due to an improper bite, arthritis, or even stress and teeth grinding. If you’re looking for TMJ
relief, you may be able to try the following dentist recommended exercises to treat your TMJ
disorder.

Resisted Opening Exercise

Resisted opening exercises can help strengthen your jaw muscles and provide some relief for
TMJ tension. To perform a resisted opening exercise, place your thumb or thumbs underneath
your chin. Push your thumbs against your chin gently while opening your mouth. You can keep
your mouth open for about three seconds before closing it and repeat.

Relaxation Exercise

Relaxation exercises can help to ease sore jaw muscles associated with a TMJ disorder. To try a
relaxation exercise, place your tongue on the top of your mouth behind your front teeth. Allow
your jaw to open, keeping your muscles relaxed. You can also slowly close your mouth, keeping
your tongue in the same position.

Mild Resisted Opening Exercises

During mild resisted opening exercises, you can again place your tongue on the roof of your
mouth as in the previous exercise. Next, put one finger where your TMJ is—this will be just in
front of your ear. Put another finger from your opposite hand on your chin. Apply gentle
pressure on both fingers on your TMJ and chin.

Next, allow your lower jaw to open about halfway and close. For full opening, perform the same
process, except allow your jaw to completely open and then close. You should feel some
resistance here, but not pain. If the exercise is painful, do not continue.

Stress Management

Since stress is a major factor in many TMJ disorders, it may benefit you to try some relaxation
techniques in your daily life to cope with stress. Relaxation processes will be different for
everyone, but many people find that breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, or other forms of
exercise can help them manage their stress.

Following Up with Your Dentist

There are other ways to manage and treat your TMJ pain. It’s essential to follow up with your dentist. If any of these exercises are painful, do not continue them. Allowing your dentist to
examine your TMJ and determine the cause can help you uncover exercises and treatment
techniques that will work for you.

TMJ disorders are absolutely treatable and can be managed. For some people, determining the
cause of their TMJ disorder can help implement a successful treatment process to make their
pain go away permanently. For others, managing their stress and triggers for TMJ pain can help
effectively manage the disorder.

Your dentist is the first step to alleviating discomfort in your TMJ. By scheduling a simple exam,
you can determine if you suffer from a TMJ disorder and what treatments are available to help
you feel better today!

The post Dentist Recommended Exercises to Treat TMJ appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The joint continues to grow throughout these years, coming into its adult position sometime
during the teenage years. This is a common time period for children or parents to realize a TMJ
disorder may be present.

Problems with the TMJ are particularly pronounced in females. Symptoms can increase as the
child gets older, so seeking treatment as soon as possible is important. What TMJ treatment
options are available for children?

Identifying the Root Cause

First, your child’s dentist will need to identify the root cause of their TMJ pain in order to
implement effective treatment. There are numerous causes for pain in this complex joint,
including:

 An injury to the jaw
 Stress
 Teeth grinding
 Chewing on hard objects such as pencils, ice, or hard candy
 An improper bite

Fortunately, many of these causes of TMJ disorders respond relatively well to treatments that
are non-invasive. Once your dentist has identified the cause of your child’s discomfort, you can
then discuss treatment options.

Non-Invasive Treatments

There are a few non-invasive treatments you can try under the guidance of your dentist to help
alleviate your child’s TMJ pain. Although some TMJ disorders can only be managed rather than
corrected, others can have a more permanent solution.

One non-invasive treatment is a TMJ appliance. A TMJ appliance can reduce teeth clenching or
grinding which can help alleviate symptoms, especially if the root cause is found to be stress or
teeth grinding.

These appliances (which may also be called TMJ splints) may help reduce stress placed on the
TMJ or help gently move your child’s bite into position if an improper bite is found to be the
cause.

If your child is grinding their teeth, either a TMJ splint or a mouthguard will be needed to help
curb the damage. You can also limit hard foods, use warm or cold packs on the affected area, or
employ the help of physical therapy or even massage to help stop your child’s TMJ discomfort.

Orthodontics and Surgery

If your child has a misaligned bite that’s been determined to be causing their TMJ pain, they
may need orthodontics to fully correct the problem. Your dentist will refer you to an
orthodontist if a TMJ splint won’t work for your child’s particular case, or orthodontics are
needed for a more permanent solution.

In rare cases, surgery may be needed to correct the jaw’s position and alleviate pain. Surgery is
typically only considered as a last resort, but may be needed if your child has a severe bite
problem or a jaw injury.

Watch out for signs that your child is experiencing TMJ pain. They may complain that it hurts
when they chew, speak, or yawn. Your child may even complain that the sides of their face hurt
or that their teeth hurt. A thorough evaluation by your child-friendly dentist can determine the
problem and help implement a solution!

The post TMJ Treatment Options for Children appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Stress Can Lead to Bruxism

The TMJ and stress are closely related through the trigeminal nerve, which is affected by muscle tension. When you experience stress, your muscles tense in what’s known as our fight or flight response. When there’s no resolution to this physical response, you may grind your teeth.

Bruxism, the technical term for teeth grinding, is a common side affect of stress. People who grind their teeth often create symptoms of TMJ disorders, such as a sore jaw, tight muscles, and facial pain. This tension can often lead to headaches. Symptoms from stress and TMJ disorders overlap each other. Bruxism may also be a symptom of a problem with your TMJ, as the top and bottom parts of your jaw may not fit together correctly.

Tense Muscles Cause Headaches

Headaches are a common symptom of TMJ disorders. However, if you’re experiencing tight neck or face muscles from stress, this could be linked to your jaw pain. If you’re also experiencing joint popping or clicking, a TMJ disorder may be present. A sore jaw or painful chewing could mean your joint is inflamed and not working as it should. This can also lead to headaches, much like stress does. TMJ disorders can cause stress as well as be caused by stress.

Clenching your jaw or experiencing stress could actually cause a problem with your TMJ. Stress can aggravate TMJ symptoms, whether it’s the stress of a physical illness or the mental and emotional stress of a hard day at work. Even if you don’t have a TMJ problem, stress could lead to the onset of issues due to tension and inflammation.

How to Stop the Effects of TMJ and Stress

Stress can create a vicious cycle with your TMJ. If you have a preexisting problem with your jaw joint, stress can make it worse. Even if your jaw is healthy, it can actually cause a TMJ disorder. The key here is to properly manage stress to reduce the chances of problems with your TMJ.

Talk to your doctor about what types of relaxation techniques you can do. Exercise, meditation, and even simple activities such as talking to a friend or reading a book can help you reduce stress. If you’re grinding your teeth or have symptoms of a problem with your TMJ, talk to your dentist about how you can protect your teeth and relax the muscles.

Stress hugely impacts your health, especially your TMJ! Stress can also influence your risk of other health problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure. By properly managing your stress, you can help combat any TMJ problems you’re having. Talk to your dentist for more information!

The post Could Stress Be Causing Your TMJ? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

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!

The post Jaw Tightness and Tension: What Does It Mean? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.