Do you wake up with jaw pain? Have you noticed clicking sounds when you chew? Do you get frequent headaches that won’t go away? These could all be signs of TMJ disorder, a common condition that affects the jaw joint.
At Hillsborough Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Mike Williamson helps patients throughout Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, and Durham understand and treat TMJ problems. Let’s look at the warning signs of TMJ disorder and when you should seek help.
Signs of TMJ
Dr. Williamson will examine your teeth, jaw, and bite to help determine if you have TMJ. We recommend that you visit him for a TMJ exam if you notice these symptoms.
Jaw Pain That Won’t Go Away
The most common sign of TMJ disorder is pain or tenderness in your jaw. This discomfort might be:
- Concentrated right around the jaw joint (in front of your ear)
- Spread across your cheeks
- Extending down into your neck
- Worse on one side than the other
Many people notice the pain is worst in the morning. This often happens because you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping without realizing it. Others find their jaw hurts after chewing tough foods or talking for a long time.
If your jaw pain happens frequently or doesn’t go away, it’s time to see Dr. Williamson. Occasional soreness might not be a problem, but ongoing discomfort usually means something needs attention.
Clicking, Popping, or Grinding Sounds
Does your jaw make clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth or chew? Many people hear occasional sounds from their jaw, and this isn’t always a problem. However, frequent clicking or popping can be a sign of TMJ disorder.
These sounds happen when the cushioning disc inside your jaw joint shifts out of place.
You should especially pay attention if:
- The sounds happen every time you open your mouth
- You feel pain along with the clicking
- Your jaw feels stiff or difficult to move
- The sounds are getting louder or more frequent
At Hillsborough Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Williamson can examine your jaw to find out if the clicking is harmless or if it needs treatment.
Trouble Opening Your Mouth
Another warning sign is difficulty opening your mouth fully. You might notice:
- You can’t open your mouth as wide as you used to
- It’s hard to move your jaw from side to side
- Your jaw feels tight or stiff
- Your jaw occasionally locks in an open or closed position
Jaw locking can be scary when it happens. Your jaw might get stuck open while yawning or stuck closed when trying to eat. This happens when the joint isn’t working smoothly.
Even if your jaw doesn’t completely lock, reduced movement is worth checking out. If you have trouble biting into a sandwich or notice your mouth doesn’t open as far, these are signs the joint needs attention.
Headaches and Facial Pain
TMJ disorder often causes pain in places you wouldn’t expect. Because the jaw joint sits close to your ears and is surrounded by muscles that connect to your face, head, and neck, TMJ problems can cause:
- Headaches: Many people with TMJ disorder get frequent headaches, especially around the temples or forehead. These headaches often feel like tension headaches and may be worse in the morning.
- Ear pain: Your ears might ache or feel full, even though you don’t have an ear infection. Some people also hear ringing in their ears (called tinnitus).
- Facial soreness: Your cheeks or the area around your jaw might feel sore or tender to touch.
If you have these symptoms along with jaw problems, TMJ disorder might be the cause. Dr. Williamson can examine your jaw and help figure out if TMJ is behind your pain.
Tooth Sensitivity and Wear
Many people with TMJ disorder grind or clench their teeth, especially at night. This habit puts enormous pressure on your teeth and jaw joint. Over time, this grinding can cause:
- Teeth that feel sensitive to hot or cold
- Worn-down, flat teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Teeth that look shorter than they used to
Dr. Williamson often spots these warning signs during regular dental checkups. Worn teeth combined with jaw discomfort strongly suggest TMJ disorder. If you catch this early, you can prevent more serious damage to both your teeth and jaw.
Neck and Shoulder Tension
Your jaw, neck, and shoulders are all connected through muscles and nerves. When your jaw isn’t working properly, it can affect your entire upper body. People with TMJ disorder often experience:
- Stiff neck, especially in the morning
- Tight, sore shoulders
- Upper back pain
- Poor posture
These symptoms might get worse after sitting at a computer for hours or sleeping in an awkward position. Your neck and shoulder muscles may be working overtime to compensate for the jaw problem.
If you have ongoing neck or shoulder tension along with any jaw symptoms, TMJ disorder could be the root cause.
Treatment for TMJ Disorder in Hillsborough, NC
At Hillsborough Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we are dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal oral and overall health. If you experience chronic jaw pain, headaches, or ear discomfort, TMJ disorder could be the culprit. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options for symptom relief.