Understanding the problem.

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint - the two joints in your jaw. These are no ordinary joints. They are unique structures with important jobs. Every time you open your mouth to talk, eat, smile, kiss, to express yourself…you are using them.

TMJ pain can become overwhelming, constantly affecting your life. We understand how that makes life miserable. While everyone experiences different symptoms, some of the more common ones include:

• Pain in the jaw joint, in the face, in the teeth, in or around the ears, in the eyes, in the neck, forehead and back. Almost every part of the head and neck can hurt when you have a TMJ disorder.
• Severe, recurring headaches.
• Clicking, popping or grating sound in the jaw joint.
• Limited jaw opening or locking as well as difficulty in closing your teeth together. • Ringing in the ear, dizziness and occasional hearing loss.
• Earaches or congestion.
• Pain above and behind the eyes
• Neck pain or stiffness and/or throat pain.

Many factors can lead to (or aggravate) a TMJ disorder. Trauma (such as a car accident, fall or blow), muscular imbalances, malocclusions, clenching or grinding your teeth, inherited facial structure or stress can all be factors in your pain.

Did you know?
Four out of five senses can be affected by TMJ dysfunction: sight, smell, taste and hearing. That’s why it’s so important to see an experienced TMJ doctor.