Signs and Symptoms of TMD

Temporomandibular joint disorders are quite common. They affect about 10% of people in the United States, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. TMD can be caused by a number of factors, including teeth grinding, arthritis, genetics, or an injury to the jaw.

Some symptoms of TMD include:

Jaw Pain

Jaw muscle tenderness and soreness, as well as pain and stiffness in your jaw joints, are a few common symptoms of TMD. You may also experience frequent headaches or feel pain in your temple area.

In many cases, pain in your jaw is temporary and will go away on its own. However, you should visit your dentist if your pain is persistent and interferes with your day-to-day activities.

Clicking or Popping Sounds

Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw can mean that you have a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Other symptoms of TMD include tenderness or pain in the jaw area, pain when speaking or chewing, and problems opening or closing the mouth.

Locking of the Jaw

Jaw locking is one of the most difficult symptoms of TMD that patients can endure. Some patients report locking of the jaw when chewing food, when yawning, or even when biting down, causing significant pain. This pain can interfere with work and even with sleep, which is a significant problem.

In most cases, the inflammation is the result of stress, grinding of the teeth, or improper alignment of the bite. In some cases, patients experience lock-jaw in one part of the jaw, while others may feel it in both.

Limited Range of Motion

TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder causes severe headaches and jaw pain, along with limited jaw mobility. Pain from TMD can be so debilitating that it affects a patient’s ability to speak, eat, and function normally.

Headaches

A headache can be a chronic or occasional occurrence, and there can be many different causes. Many people suffer from tension headaches. If you are dealing with headaches, it can be a sign of TMD, and your dentist will want to rule out the possibility of TMD before recommending treatment.

Ear Pain

Ear pain may be the most common sign of TMD. You may feel ear pain in one ear or both ears. Sometimes, the pain may radiate into your head or neck. Ear pain is often sharp and throbbing. It may also cause a dull ache.

Neck Pain

Do you wake up with a stiff neck or notice aching pain throughout the day? These may be signs of TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, a condition that affects your jaw joint. TMD occurs when the joint where your skull and lower jaw meet doesn’t function properly.

To learn more about TMD and its symptoms as well as treatments, contact our team at Wellness Centered Dentistry by calling (425) 882-1354. You can also visit us at 16150 NE 85th St # 115, Redmond, 98052.