TMJ and Bite Therapy
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, one located on each side of your face just in front of your ears. The TMJs connect your lower jaw to your skull and control every movement involved in chewing, speaking, yawning, and swallowing.
Are TMJ and TMD the Same Thing?
When people refer to 'TMJ,' they usually mean TMD (temporomandibular disorder), where the joints are damaged, inflamed, or not functioning properly. TMD can develop for several reasons, including injury to the jaw, arthritis, prolonged stress, bruxism, or a misaligned dental bite.
Symptoms of TMD and Bruxism
TMD and bruxism share many symptoms, and patients may not realize that what they are experiencing is related to their TMJs. Common signs include:
- Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
- A jaw that feels stuck, locked, or limited in movement
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Ear pain, ringing in the ears, or a feeling of fullness in the ear
- Neck, shoulder, or upper back pain
- Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth from grinding
- Facial fatigue or tension, especially at the end of the day
