What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head. These joints are flexible, allowing the jaw to move smoothly up and down, from side to side and enabling you to talk, chew and yawn. Muscles attached to and surrounding the jaw joint control the position and movement of the jaw.
Symptoms associated with TMJ disorders may be:
- Blinking
- Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort
- Clicking, popping or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth
- Dull, aching pain in the face, jaw and neck
- Earache (particularly in the morning)
- Headache (particularly in the morning)
- Hearing loss
- Migraine (particularly in the morning)
- Jaw pain or tenderness of the jaw, pain or stiffness in the chewing muscles or jaw joint
- Reduced ability to open or close the mouth, jaw that locks or has limited movement
- Tinnitus
- Changes in the fit between upper and lower teeth
- Dizziness
Please contact us for appointments and further information.