TMJ disorders can be painful, sometimes affecting your daily activities. According to Scientific Reports, it is estimated that within the general population, up to 15% of people experience TMJ dysfunction. The symptoms of TMJ disorders may mirror those of other conditions, so it’s important to see a TMJ specialist for help getting a diagnosis. If you are developing a TMJ disorder, you may notice some of these signs.
1. Jaw Pain
One of the tell-tale signs of TMJ disorders is pain in the jaw or chewing muscles. Sometimes this pain is more noticeable while eating, especially with certain foods that are hard to chew, such as bagels or chewy candy. Sometimes pain will be accompanied by the jaw clicking or locking, making it hard to open or close the mouth. A jaw pain specialist will be able to assess whether a TMJ disorder is the cause, and if so, may provide special exercises you can do to help relieve the pain.
2. Earaches
Because of the proximity of the TMJ to the ears, one sign of TMJ dysfunction is ear pain. Sometimes this will be accompanied by a sense of fullness, dizziness, or ringing in the ears. These symptoms often appear in addition to jaw pain or pain in the temple area. These symptoms alone do not necessarily mean you have a TMJ issue, so it’s important to consult your doctor so they can help you find the right diagnosis.
3. Dental Changes
A common effect of TMJ disorders is dental issues. This can include damage to teeth such as chipping, movement, or increased sensitivity. Other effects may include changes to your bite pattern or gum recession. If you experience dental changes caused by TMJ issues, a jaw pain dentist is recommended and may be able to provide a TMJ treatment plan that can alleviate your symptoms.
Living with symptoms of TMJ dysfunction can be difficult, however, there is treatment available for TMJ issues. If you have the symptoms listed here, or others that you feel are associated with TMJ dysfunction, it may be time to reach out to a specialist. Dedicated TMJ specialists can provide you with a treatment plan to help manage your symptoms. At TMJ Care we have 23 years of experience caring for patients with TMJ disorder. Call us today to schedule an initial appointment and take the first step toward feeling better.