Millions of people suffer from TMJ disorders. Are you one of them? There are numerous symptoms that indicate TMD may be the cause for pain, soreness or general discomfort in the jaw and mandible area. Take a look at the TMJ disorder symptoms below to decide if you need to seek help.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
- Pain/soreness around jaw
- Pain/soreness around the ears
- Pain/soreness in facial muscles
- Pain/soreness in neck and/or shoulders
- Regular occurrence of headaches
- Difficulty chewing
- Difficulty biting
- Difficulty opening the mouth wide
- Clicking sound when opening the mouth
- Popping sensation at the jaw joint
- Grating noises whenever the mouth is opened or closed
- Difficulty hearing
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Lock jaw
- Feeling of fatigue in the facial muscles.
- Swelling in the jaw region
- Stiffness in the jaw muscles
- Feeling as if the upper and lower teeth are not properly aligned
It’s also important to note the possible causes of TMJ when symptoms are present. Causes include:
- Experiencing injury to the jaw area
- Experiencing whiplash
- Grinding teeth
- Clenching teeth
- Stress that causes muscles tightening in the jaw region
- Arthritis in the joint
Because there are a number of TMJ disorders, patients can exhibit a variety of symptoms, and symptoms may only occur on one side of the face. If you have any of the symptoms above it is highly suggested that you follow up to verify whether your TMJ is the source of the problem.
What to Do If You Have TMJ disorder Symptoms
If you believe that you have a TMJ disorder, it is important to make an appointment to see a dentist who is educated on jaw disorders. He or she can help determine whether TMD or an unrelated issue such as sinus problems or nerve damage is causing the symptoms.
During the visit with your dentist you will be asked about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your health and dental records will also be examined to determine any underlying causes for the symptoms. He or she will then examine your teeth, jaw, face and neck regions.
The good news is there are now a variety of treatment options for TMJ disorders, including non-invasive treatments. However, the longer the issue goes untreated the more severe the problem can become. That is why seeing a dentist is an important first step in managing and correcting the problem.
If you live in the Houston area and are experiencing TMD symptoms, MedCenter TMJ can help. Call us today or schedule an appointment online!
Original Source: https://www.medcentertmj.com/tmj/symptoms-tmj/