TMJ Disorder: 5 Signs You Might Need Treatment

TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder) can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms vary from person to person, and because its sufferers often mask their discomfort with behaviors like chewing gum or biting their lips or fingernails. Here are 5 signs that you might have TMJ disorder, and should talk to your TMJ specialist Albuquerque about treatment options.

1. Throbbing Ear Pain

You might be suffering from TMJ disorder if you're noticing frequent ear pain in either the left or right ear. Ear pain caused by TMJ disorder can range from being mild to severe and will typically last for five to fifteen minutes at a time. This type of ear pain is often bilateral, meaning it's present in both ears. Some people also report feeling pressure in their jaw joints that causes these types of symptoms as well.

2. Unintentional Grinding Or Clenching Of Teeth During Sleep

In adults, if you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, it's likely a sign of TMJ disorder. The disorder is caused by any number of factors, including injury to the joint or misalignment between the teeth and jawbone. It can also result from anxiety or stress. It is best to consider TMJ treatment Albuquerque as soon as possible.

3. Headaches And Migraines

If you find yourself constantly battling headaches and migraines, you may want to ask your doctor about TMJ. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, which is a problem in the jaw joint where the head of the upper jaw meets the skull, and that can cause pain in your temples or at the back of your neck.

4. Tenderness around the Jaw Joints

Tenderness around the jaw joints can be a sign of TMJ disorder. Some people refer to this as 'jaw joint pain'. The soreness can make it difficult to open your mouth wide, speak clearly, or chew food properly. This pain may also cause clicking and popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth.

5. Inability To Fully Open Mouth

Most people with TMJ disorder can't open their mouth more than a few millimeters, due to the inability to relax the muscles around the joint. This limits your ability to chew, eat and talk, among other things. If you're experiencing extreme pain in your jaw and you can't open your mouth or shake it side-to-side without discomfort, TMJ treatment may be necessary.

The Bottom Line

So if you have any of these signs, don't hesitate to see a TMJ dentist Albuquerque. Get a diagnosis and make sure to talk with your dentist about treatment options. It is important to know that there are things you can do on your own or with a professional to manage TMJ pain, so it is never too late to start looking for relief.