Trouble With Your Jaw? 4 Signs You Might Have TMJ

If you think you should only see your dentist when you have problems with your teeth, you're incorrect. You should also see your dentist when you have problems with your jaw. One specific condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder – or TMJ – can cause significant problems for you. In some cases, you might not even realize you have something wrong with your jaw. Here are four symptoms you should watch out for.

Unexplained Jaw or Neck Pain

TMJ can cause pain and discomfort in your jaw or neck due to the increased pressure on the temporomandibular joint. When you have TMJ, the joints rub together too much, which can cause pain. If left untreated, your jaw pain can travel from your jaw into your shoulders, neck, and upper back. If you have unexplained pain that travels from your jaw into your neck and shoulders, you should discuss the problem with your dentist.

Tightness or Pain When Opening or Closing Your Mouth

If your jaw gets tight when you open or close your mouth, you may be suffering from the beginning stages of TMJ disorder. Try opening your mouth as wide as you can and then quickly closing it. If your jaw gets tight, or you experience discomfort when you close your mouth from a wide-open position, you need to discuss the situation with your dentist.

Clicking Sound When You Open Your Jaw

Open and close your mouth. If you hear a distinct clicking sound, or feel a popping sensation, you may have TMJ disorder. This is particularly true if you also experience discomfort in your jaw associated with the clicking or popping.

Nighttime Teeth Grinding

Do you grind your teeth or clench your jaw while you sleep? If you do, you're exhibiting a common symptom of TMJ disorder. Teeth grinding or jaw clenching while you're asleep are common signs of TMJ disorder. If you're not sure whether this applies to you, think about how your jaw feels in the morning. Do you wake up with a sore jaw? If you do, you probably clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night. The soreness in your jaw is caused by the increased pressure that's placed on your jaw while you sleep.

If any of the symptoms described above sound familiar, you should talk to your dentist, one like Arbor Dental Care Ltd, as soon as possible. With proper treatment, you can recover from the symptoms associated with TMJ disorder. 

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