WHAT IS TMJ SYNDROME?

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

TMJ problems have their primary base in the (TMJ) joint mechanism. The actual malfunction may involve the ligaments, muscles or the bone itself. Symptoms are popping, clicking or cracking near the ear, soreness of the jaw, severe pain in the joint area, dizziness, headaches, backaches, eye pain and chronic fatigue to name a few.

WHAT CAUSES THE PROBLEM?

The causes may be external, internal, or both. External causes might be a blow to the face or jaw or some sort of injury. Whiplash is a common cause of externally produced trauma to the TMJ.

The most common internally produced trauma arises from occlusal disharmonies (traumatic occlusion), commonly called "poor bite" . Missing teeth which have not been replaced can also produce disharmonies.

Further poorly fitting dentures and partial dentures or fixed bridges which have out-lived their usefulness can create TMJ problems.

ARE THERE ANY RELATIVELY SIMPLE WAYS TO DETECT A DISORDER IN THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT?

If a person suspects this type of disorder, he or she might try the following test.

Press the area directly in front of the center of the ear. Pain of tenderness might indicate inflammation of the Temporomandibular Joint.
Insert the little finger in the ears with the nails facing the back. Press forward gently. If the joint is inflamed, pain might be felt.
Watching the chin in a mirror, open the mouth wide, then close. Does the chin move straight up and down? If it deviates to one side, it may indicate possible TMJ problems.
Are there clicking sounds when opening or closing the mouth?
Is there clenching or grinding the teeth during the day or during sleep? On awakening do the facial muscles feel sore?