How to Tell If You Have a TMJ Disorder

Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, are the small hinges just in front of your ears that connect your lower jaw to your skull. You use them every time you talk, chew, yawn or swallow. When something goes wrong with these joints or the muscles around them, it’s called a TMJ disorder, sometimes shortened to TMD.

TMJ problems are common, and many people live with mild symptoms for years without realizing what’s causing them. Here’s how to recognize the signs and what to do about them.

Common Signs of a TMJ Disorder

Pain or tenderness in your jaw, especially in the morning or after chewing
Aching in or around your ear
Clicking, popping or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth
A jaw that feels stiff, tired or hard to open all the way
A jaw that briefly gets stuck open or closed
Headaches, often around the temples
Pain that spreads to your face, neck or shoulders
Teeth that look worn down or feel sensitive

A jaw that clicks without any pain usually isn’t a cause for concern. Pain, stiffness or trouble opening your mouth are the signs worth paying attention to.

What Causes TMJ Problems?

Often there isn’t a single cause. Common contributors include:

Clenching or Grinding: Many people do this in their sleep or when they’re stressed, often without knowing it.
Stress: Tension tends to settle in the jaw, neck and shoulders.
Arthritis: Wear and tear can affect the jaw joint like any other joint in the body.
Injury: A blow to the jaw or face can damage the joint or the cushioning disc inside it.
Bite Problems: Teeth that don’t meet evenly can put extra strain on the joints.

What You Can Try at Home

Mild TMJ symptoms often improve with simple changes:

Eat softer foods for a while, and cut food into small pieces.
Skip chewing gum and very chewy foods like jerky or bagels.
Apply a warm compress or a cold pack to the sore area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
Avoid opening your mouth very wide, such as during big yawns.
Notice when you’re clenching during the day, and let your jaw relax with your teeth slightly apart.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label if you need it.

When to See a Dentist

Call us if your jaw pain lasts more than a week or two, keeps coming back, or makes it hard to eat, talk or sleep. You should also be seen if your jaw locks, if you notice your teeth wearing down or if headaches are becoming frequent.

At your visit, Dr. Shamsaie will ask about your symptoms, examine your jaw, bite and teeth, and check for signs of grinding. Depending on what he finds, he’ll talk through your options, which may include a custom-fitted night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep, or a referral if you need specialized care.

Why It’s Worth Getting Checked

Untreated grinding can wear down enamel, crack teeth and damage fillings and crowns over time. Catching it early can save you from more involved dental work later, and getting the right diagnosis means you’re not just guessing at what’s causing your pain.

Get Help for Jaw Pain in Anderson

If you think you might have a TMJ problem, we’re happy to take a look. Smiles of Anderson is on Medical Arts Blvd, and we’re open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call 765-649-3388 or book an appointment online. You can also learn more about our general dentistry services.