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Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)

What is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?

The TMJ is the joint that connects your jawbone (mandible) to your skull, allowing you to open and close your mouth, talk, chew, and yawn.

What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)?

TMJD refers to a group of problems that affect the joint and the surrounding muscles. It can cause pain, clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth, and problems with jaw movement.

Causes:

The exact causes of TMJD are not always clear, but several factors can contribute to its development, including:

  • Teeth grinding or clenching
  • Jaw injury or trauma
  • Arthritis affecting the TMJ
  • Misaligned bite or teeth
  • Stress, which can lead to clenching or tensing of jaw muscles

Symptoms:

TMD symptoms may include:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Headaches
  • Pain around the ears, face, or neck
  • Difficulty or discomfort when opening your mouth wide
  • Clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw
  • Locking of the jaw joint, making it hard to open or close your mouth