What are the Symptoms of TMJ?
Most people with TMJ disorders experience some degree of jaw pain and discomfort. Common signs of TMJ disorders include:
- Teeth grinding
- Pain or soreness in the jaw
- Stiffness in the jaw while yawning, biting, or chewing
- Earache that extends into the face
- Soreness or tenderness in the area in front of the ear
- A grinding or popping noise when opening your mouth
- Neck pain and headaches on the side of the head
- Locking or limited range of motion of the jaw when it’s open or closed
What are the Causes of TMJ?
TMJ disorders are often the result of damage to either the cartilage that cushions the joint from the jawbone or damage to the small, shock-absorbing disc that sits between the joint and the bone and keeps the joint movement fluid. This kind of damage may be caused by:
- Chronic teeth grinding or clenching
- Misaligned teeth or jaws
- Arthritis-related degeneration
- Age-related disc erosion
- Joint damage caused by an impact
- Forceful movement of a disc
TMJ/TMD Dentist in Bryan-College Station
With any TMJ disorder, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward receiving proper care, alleviating pain, and protecting your long-term oral health. Suppose Dr. Rahimi-Thornton suspects you have a TMJ disorder. In that case, she will ask you about any symptoms, examine your jaw for signs of abnormal joint erosion and muscle tenderness, and check your teeth for signs of bruxism or involuntary grinding. If you have unexplainable tooth or jaw pain, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
