The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. While the exact cause of a person's TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine, there are some common symptoms that you can be on the lookout for. Let’s take a look at some of those common signs that there might be issues with your TMJ in Coral Springs.
Common Symptoms
When it comes to TMJ disorder, some symptoms are “easier” to spot than others. Some of the more common signs include:
- Pain or tenderness in your jaw
- Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
- Aching pain in and around your ear
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
- Aching facial pain
- Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
- Clicking sound when opening your mouth
Causes
So you know what some of the common signs to look for are, but what exactly causes those things to happen. Well, the parts of the bones that interact in the joint are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which normally keeps the movement smooth. TMJ pain can occur if:
- The disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment
- The joint's cartilage is damaged by arthritis
- The joint is damaged by a blow or other impact
Do You Have Issues with Your TMJ in Coral Springs?
At Oral Facial, we offer a variety of treatments for TMJ disorder. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.