Main Symptoms of TMD

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, is a disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects your lower jawbone to your skull. The disorder can cause pain, tenderness, and discomfort in this area. The disorder can also cause jaw clicking or locking, as well as difficulty opening and closing the mouth.

Jaw Pain

Jaw pain is one of the most common symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and it can occur for many reasons. The jaw joint is particularly prone to injury because it is used so frequently in chewing and talking. Stress is another common trigger for jaw pain and tension headaches. TMJ-related tension headaches can be intense and occur on both sides of the head, often described as a dull ache or pressure around the temple area.

Locking Jaw

The muscles around the TMJ get tense, which causes the jaw to lock in place. This can happen when you chew food or even when you try to open your mouth wide.

Many people experience these symptoms without realizing that they are related to their bite. If you experience a locking jaw, it could be a sign that your bite is not properly aligned.

Limited Range of Motion

TMJ issues can manifest in limited mobility of the jaw. The jaw may feel tight or locked, hindering the ability to open the mouth completely. As a result, eating and chewing may be painful and difficult.

Popping, Clicking, or Grating Sounds

Jaw pain is a symptom of the temporomandibular joint disorder, which can also cause headaches and earaches. The jaw joints are on either side of the head, and they open and close to allow your mouth to move up and down when you chew and speak. 

Frequent Headaches

Frequent headaches can be a sign of temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJD. This is a condition that causes pain and dysfunction in the jaw joints. Since these joints are wired into the skull and muscles of the face, issues there can lead to pain elsewhere in the face and even the head. If you’ve noticed frequent head pain, it’s important to talk to your dentist about other symptoms of TMD.

Earaches

Chronic and intermittent earaches are often signs of the temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD. Your dentist will likely suggest jaw exercises to ease the discomfort and pain. Pain relievers are also an option. If the problem is caused by grinding your teeth, your dentist may suggest wearing a mouthguard at night to prevent teeth from wearing down. 

Difficulty Chewing

Patients who suffer from the temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can experience both stiffness and pain in the jaw, as well as difficulty chewing. This can be a symptom of any stage of the disease, and it is definitely something that needs to be addressed by a dentist.

All Smile Dental is here to give you the best oral tips and help you restore your smile. You can book an appointment with our dentist in Turlock, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 668-3736 or our dentist in Modesto, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 409-8839.