Has this happened to you before? You open your mouth and you hear a snap, crackle, and pop, But it’s not coming from a bowl of Rice Krispies. It’s happened before and you thought it would go away. But it hasn’t. Do you awaken to sore or stiff jaw muscles? You’ve tried to figure out the problem, but you can’t. There’s something that can cause either of those problems. I can help you find relief.
Take the TMJ Risk Quiz
Take our quick, 15 second quiz to discover your risk level for TMJ Disorder and begin living a pain free life!
What Are Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ)?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located in front of each ear. The joints connect your jaw to your skull. Place your fingers in front of your ears and open your mouth to feel the movement of the joints.
What Are Temporomandibular Joint Disorders?
Temporomandibular joint disorders are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement.
These conditions usually fall into three categories.
- Pain caused by irritation of the muscles that control jaw function.
- A displacement of the joint from its normal position.
- A group of degenerative or inflammatory joint disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint.
Possible Causes of TMJ Disorders
- Teeth clenching or grinding
- Injury to the jaw
- Arthritis
- Infection
- Dental surgery
- Hormones
- Autoimmune diseases
- Genetics
There can be many causes of TMJ disorders as well as some cases where the cause can’t be identified. Take our quick, 15-second quiz to discover your risk level for TMJ disorder and begin living a pain free life!
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
- Pain in the chewing muscles and jaw joints
- Jaw muscle stiffness
- Pain radiating in the face, jaw, or neck
- Limited jaw movement
- Clicking, popping, or grating in the jaw joint when it opens or closes
- Changes in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
Facial pain can be caused by other conditions such as sinus or ear infections. Rule out other possible causes first to help identify TMJ disorders. There are several treatment options for patients suffering from TMJ disorders. If you suspect that you have a TMJ disorder, contact my office to schedule a consult.
Fondly,
Dr. Britt
