Do I Have TMJ? Symptoms to Know and Watch For

Your jaw has a joint that acts as a hinge and is connected to your skull and this joint is known as the temporomandibular joint or TMJ. It allows you to chew, yawn, and open your mouth wide. In some cases, this joint becomes painful and sore. Below are the primary symptoms associated with TMJ disorders and how to know if you have a problem. TMJ disorders can occur at any age and to anyone, but are most often diagnosed in women aged 20 to 40. It can cause pain on one side of your face or on both sides. The primary symptoms associated with TMJ include:

· Difficulty Opening Your Mouth Wide
· Pain On One Side of the Jaw
· Dull Aching Near the Ear
· Bilateral Jaw Pain
· Popping or Clicking of the Jaw Joint When Moved
· Facial Pain
· Difficulty Chewing Food
· Swelling On One Side of the Face
· Locking of The Jaw Joints
· Toothaches
· Chronic Headaches
· Ringing in One or Both Ears
· Lightheadedness
· Earaches
· Pain in The Shoulder

TMJ disorders usually occur when the jaw joint becomes inflamed or sustains an injury and certain people are at an increased risk of developing the symptoms associated with this condition. Some factors that may increase the likelihood of developing a TMJ disorder include:

· Arthritis
· Poor Posture
· Injury to The Jaw
· Grinding Teeth at Night
· High Stress Levels If left untreated, TMJ can lead to other painful conditions that can be difficult to control such as migraine headaches, chronic pain, and persistent facial pain. If you have symptoms of TMJ, it is important to seek advice from a dentist. During an examination, they will measure your jaw joint's range-of-motion and observe you moving your jaw. A Colorado Springs dentistry center may order diagnostic tests such as X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. Dentists may also perform an arthroscopy, where a tiny camera is introduced into the jaw joint. This test may reveal if there is extensive damage to the TMJ joint.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are the best ways to battle TMJ disorders. Many people find relief after beginning treatment. Your dentist may also be able to prescribe treatment like physical therapy if your pain is not resolved quickly. Watch for the warning signs, keep your stress levels down, and ask if you might be at increased risk.