If you're experiencing unexplained jaw pain, clicking sounds, or frequent headaches, you could be dealing with a condition called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
Your TMJ is a hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull, and when it isn’t working right, it can impact your daily life in a big way.
But before you find the right treatment option, you must start with an accurate diagnosis. Take a moment as Dr. Ed Trizzino and his team explain the eight symptoms that could point to TMJ disorder and how the Smiles of Atlanta team in Atlanta, Georgia, can help you find relief.
Persistent jaw pain, especially around your ears or cheeks, is a classic sign of a TMJ disorder. This discomfort may occur while you’re talking, chewing, or even at rest.
Is your jaw clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth? If so, it might indicate a problem with your joint alignment. Although these sounds aren’t always indicative of TMJ, they’re worth checking out, especially if they’re accompanied by pain.
Do you feel like your jaw locks or gets “stuck” when opening wide? This can make it difficult to chew food, yawn, or even speak.
The bottom line: Limited range of motion in the jaw is a common sign of TMJ and should be evaluated before it worsens.
People with TMJ issues are more than twice as likely to experience migraine compared to those without TMD.
Specifically, the ratio of 2.10 means there's a 110% increased risk of migraine attacks if you have TMJ issues.
Your TMJ sits close to your ears, so TMJ issues can cause symptoms that mimic ear infections, like pain, ringing, or a feeling of fullness.
Keep in mind, though, that many other conditions can cause earaches and ear fullness, including ear infections, sinus infections, and air travel.
TMJ disorders can lead to soreness in the muscles of your face, neck, and shoulders. You might also experience facial fatigue, especially after talking or chewing for long periods.
If your bite feels off or you’re noticing uneven tooth wear, TMJ could be disrupting how your teeth come together. Dr. Trizzino can conduct a dental exam to determine if your bite is being affected.
Grinding your teeth at night — a condition called bruxism — can contribute to TMJ disorders. So, if you already know that you clench your jaw or grind your teeth and you're experiencing jaw pain, there's a good chance they're connected.
Bruxism puts extra strain on your jaw joint, which can lead to or worsen TMJ-related pain. In fact, research shows that about 15.5% of men and 20.2% of women with TMJ pain also report bruxism. If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone—and it’s time to take it seriously.
Even if you're experiencing just a couple of these symptoms, don't ignore them. TMJ is highly treatable, especially when caught early.
At Smiles of Atlanta, Dr. Ed Trizzino and our team use advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to get your jaw back in balance.
Once Dr. Trizzino confirms the source of your TMJ pain, he recommends treatments such as nightguards for bruxism or bite adjustments to relieve pressure on your jaw joints. He may also suggest lifestyle changes or physical therapy
To learn more about your TMJ treatment options, give us a call at 770-407-8459 today or use our online booking system.
