The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) play a vital role in your everyday life. These joints help you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak, and yawn. When these joints or the surrounding muscles become strained, inflamed, or misaligned, it can lead to a painful condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder or TMD).
Many people live with TMD symptoms without realizing that their jaw pain, headaches, or ear discomfort are all connected to the same issue. Dr. Christopher Banks is here to help you find the early signs of TMJ in his Washington, DC office.
The Most Common Signs of TMJ Disorder
Treating TMJ symptoms early can result in more effective treatment and prevent long-term complications. We welcome you to contact Dr. Banks if you notice any of these signs. TMJ disorders can affect your daily life, but you can find relief with the right care.
Jaw Pain and Tenderness
Jaw pain is one of the most common signs of TMJ disorder. This pain can feel different from person to person. Some people feel a constant, dull ache, while others experience sharp, sudden pain. The discomfort can happen on one or both sides of your face.
You may notice the pain gets worse when you chew, talk, yawn, or laugh because these movements put pressure on the jaw joint. Some people also feel tightness or stiffness in their jaw muscles, which can make it hard to fully open or close their mouth. In more serious cases, it may feel like the jaw is “stuck” or needs help to move.
If jaw pain is ignored, the muscles around the joint can become tense and overworked. This ongoing strain can lead to chronic discomfort that affects eating, speaking, and even sleeping. Early care can help stop this cycle before it gets worse.
Clicking, Popping, or Grinding Sounds
If you notice clicking, popping, or grinding noises when you open or close your mouth, your TMJ may not be functioning smoothly. These sounds occur when the disc inside the joint moves out of its normal alignment, causing friction between the bones.
While occasional clicking without pain might not signal a serious problem, frequent noises accompanied by discomfort are often signs of a joint disorder. In some cases, the jaw may even lock temporarily in an open or closed position. Lock jaw can make it difficult to move your mouth naturally.
Headaches and Facial Pain
Many people with TMJ disorder deal with frequent headaches or general facial pain. These headaches are sometimes mistaken for tension headaches or even migraines. This happens because the jaw muscles connect to other areas of the head, including the temples, cheeks, and neck.
When the TMJ is irritated, the pain can spread to these areas. These headaches often start around the temples or behind the eyes. They may become worse throughout the day, especially if you clench your jaw or grind your teeth without realizing it. If you notice headaches along with jaw pain, it could mean your TMJ is the source of the problem.
Ear Pain and Fullness
Because the TMJ sits very close to the ears, TMJ disorders often cause ear-related symptoms. You may feel pain, pressure, or fullness in one or both ears. Some people describe it as feeling like they are on an airplane and can’t “pop” their ears.
These symptoms can be confusing because they may feel like an ear infection, even when the ear itself is healthy. Some people also experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or brief dizziness. If ear pain continues even though your ear exams are normal, TMJ disorder may be the reason.
Difficulty Chewing and Bite Changes
TMJ disorder can make everyday activities like eating or speaking feel uncomfortable. You might notice that chewing becomes tiring or painful, particularly when eating tough or crunchy foods. In some cases, the jaw may not move smoothly, causing one side to do more work than the other.
Over time, this imbalance can lead to uneven tooth wear or changes in your bite alignment. Some people report feeling as though their teeth no longer fit together properly, even if there are no visible dental issues.
Neck, Shoulder, and Postural Discomfort
TMJ disorders can also impact your posture and upper body. The muscles connected to the TMJ extend into the neck and shoulders. When the jaw joint is strained, these muscles can become tight and painful.
Poor posture, especially from sitting at a desk or looking down at devices for long periods, can make TMJ symptoms worse. If you often feel neck stiffness, shoulder tension, or general upper-body soreness along with jaw pain, these issues may be connected.
Get Treatment for TMJ Today
At Dupont Dental, we are dedicated to helping you preserve your oral health. If you experience chronic jaw pain or discomfort, TMJ disorder could be the culprit. The longer you wait to reach out, the more damage it can cause. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options for symptom relief.