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How to Know You Have TMJ Dysfunction

A blue gloved hand points to the temporomandibular joint on a fake skull

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull in front of each of your ears. TMJ disorders (TMD) can cause pain in the jaw joint and around the mouth.

What Are the Common Causes of TMJ Disorders?

It can be hard to pinpoint the exact cause of TMJ disorder because there are usually several contributing factors. Clenching and grinding teeth at night is linked to TMJ, as are conditions such as arthritis and jaw injury. Other times, genetics might be to blame. Some patients experience TMJ symptoms during times of heightened stress and find that their symptoms go away once things are more relaxed.

What Are Some of the Symptoms of TMJ?

Pain or tenderness in your jaw and jaw joints is one common symptom of TMJ. Other symptoms include earaches, difficulty chewing, facial pain, and headaches. Many patients also experience clicking, snapping, or popping in their jaws when they chew, laugh, or talk.

How Do We Treat TMJ Disorders?

In many cases, TMJ symptoms are temporary. Sometimes treatment is as simple as making certain diet or lifestyle changes. But when symptoms persist, our Southbridge Dental Care team can treat TMD with a customized mouthguard. This mouthguard is worn while sleeping and gently shifts the position of your jaw to take pressure off of your jaw joint. Only in very severe cases do we consider surgical options to treat TMJ disorders.

To ask our team any questions about TMJ disorders or to schedule an appointment at Southbridge Dental Care, please contact us today!

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