Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, often referred to as TMJ or TMD, can impact your quality of life when left untreated. Millions of people suffer from issues with their temporomandibular joints, which can cause side effects ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating chronic pain.
With these disorders being so common, what are the top side effects of TMJ you should know about? The following are the most common signs and symptoms that people with TMJ disorders experience.
A Sore or Aching Jaw
One of the most common side effects of TMJ is a sore or aching jaw. This discomfort cancome from the joints themselves, but most commonly, it comes from tension in the muscles that support the jaw.
When these muscles become tense from improper jaw function, the tension can cause facial pain that could be located in one area or different areas [1]. The pain may even be located behind the eyes or in the head, neck, or shoulders.
Trouble Chewing or Opening Your Mouth
Some people with temporomandibular joint disorders have trouble chewing or opening their mouth all the way as a result of improper jaw function [2]. Jaw stiffness can also result from TMJ, which can cause trouble chewing and yawning. With this type of limited jaw motion, some people can even experience lockjaw, in which the jaw becomes locked in place, which can be painful and distressing.
Ear Symptoms Such as Hearing Loss
While not every person with TMJ will experience ear symptoms, some people have ringing in the ears, earaches, or even hearing loss due to a TMJ disorder. In cases where an ear infection or ear problem has been ruled out by a physician, seeing a dentist can help diagnose TMJ and determine if your ear symptoms are related to any jaw dysfunction [3].
Clicking or Popping Noises When Moving Your Jaw
While unusual noises such as clicking or popping sounds are generally not a cause for alarm with the jaw, when these sounds exist with pain and discomfort or other symptoms of TMJ, they should be evaluated by a professional. In addition to clicking and popping noises when moving the jaw, some people also hear an unusual grating sound when the jaw is in motion [4].
Headaches or Migraines
Because of the muscle tension and the way your teeth fit together, TMJ has the potential to cause headaches or migraines, which can exacerbate TMJ pain and potentially complicate treatment for both issues [5]. If you have recurring headaches or migraines without an identifiable cause, getting an evaluation with your dentist may reveal a problem with your jaw joints.
Are You Suffering From TMJ?
If you’re experiencing any of these top side effects of TMJ, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with a dentist experienced in diagnosing and treating these disorders. You don’t have to live with the discomfort that TMJ or TMD can cause, as treatment is available!
Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941
2. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd
3. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-
diseases/temporomandibular-disorder-tmd
4. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-12/tmj-disorders.pdf
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5379086/
