Do you have a TM joint problem?
- Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
- Does your pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
- Does your jaw click, pop, catch or lock when you open your mouth?
- Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn?
- Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaw?
Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatments is important. TM or temporomandibular disorders develop for many reasons. The most common cause of TM joint disorder, which we see in our office, is damage due to injuries from motor vehicle accidents and/or trauma to the head, neck and jaw. Another cause of jaw pain/disorder that we see in our office is scoliosis (spinal curvature), which involves the neck-cervical spine.
Other causes may include arthritis of the TM joints, stressed or tight muscles which may be caused by clenching (bruxism) or grinding of the teeth. Whatever the cause, this condition can result in a misaligned bite, pain, clicking or grinding noises when you open your mouth or when you have trouble opening your mouth wide.