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TMJ Symptoms

Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, Oakleaf, Orange Park

Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ or TMD, is a painful condition that affects the complex network of joints, muscles, nerves and bones in the areas where the temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull.

What Causes TMJ?

TMJ is thought to be primarily caused by conditions related to misaligned teeth—including underbite and overbite—that strain the jaw muscles used in chewing, swallowing, and supporting the jaw. Misalignment may be hereditary or the result of long-term oral habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, pen chewing, teeth grinding, nail biting or ice chewing.

Trauma from an accident or injury, displacement of the disk between the jawbone and temporomandibular joint, and degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis can also contribute to TMJ.

TMJ Symptoms

The symptoms associated with TMJ are wide ranging and often experienced in combination. These symptoms are also frequently mistaken for other conditions, such as migraines, arthritis or sinus problems.

Common symptoms include:

Headaches
Jaw and facial pain
Inability to completely open the mouth
Clicking, grinding or popping of the jaw when opening and closing the mouth
Difficulty chewing
Sticking or locking of the jaw in an open or closed position
Loose or prematurely worn teeth
Failing dental work or progressive dental problems
Neck, shoulder and back pain
Numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers
Earaches or ringing ears (tinnitus)
Depression related to chronic pain

Diagnosing TMJ

An experienced Jacksonville neuromuscular dentist can properly diagnose and offer TMJ treatment options that provide both immediate and long-lasting relief.

Diagnosis includes X-rays, jaw measurements, documentation of jaw movement and joint sounds, recording of jaw muscle electrical activity, and the determination of your correct jaw position.

Although TMJ treatment may be as simple as breaking poor dental health habits, some patients require custom orthotics, teeth reshaping or the use of dental crowns. In addition to causing persistent pain, TMJ can impact your ability to eat, speak and even breathe properly if left untreated.

If you live in the Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, Oakleaf or Orange Park, Florida, areas and have questions about TMJ treatment or would like to schedule a consultation to address symptoms that suggest TMJ, please contact the neuromuscular and cosmetic dentistry professionals at Blankenship Dentistry.