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What Is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder?

Source: Drugs.com, Mayo Clinic, WebMD, Healthline

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What is the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) joins the lower jaw to the skull; it is located in front of each ear on both sides of the head. It acts as a hinge and allows the jaw to open and close and move from side to side. The bones in the joint are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small disc, which allows for smooth movement of the jaw.

What is temporomandibular joint disorder?

Temporomandibular joint disorder is characterized by pain in the jaw as well as the nerves and muscles surrounding the jaw. Temporomandibular joint disorder is often referred to as simply “TMJ,” in reference to the affected joint.

Symptoms

Symptoms of TMJ include, but are not limited to, the following:

A popping noise or sensation when opening or closing the mouth
Headaches
Jaw pain or tenderness
Difficulty moving the jaw (especially chewing)
Locking of the joint
Pain in or around the ear(s)
Swelling, aching pain, or tenderness in the face, neck or shoulders
Dizziness
Ringing in the ear(s)

Symptoms of TMJ range from mild to severe. For some people, symptoms are limited to one side of the face; for others, symptoms occur on both sides.

Causes

In most cases, the cause of TMJ is unknown. However, potential causes include the following:

Dislocation of the disc in the joint (moves out of alignment)
Disc erosion
Damage to the cartilage from arthritis
Damage from a blow or other trauma to the area

Risk factors

Factors that increase the risk of developing temporomandibular joint disorder include the following:

Chronic teeth grinding or clenching
Trauma to the jaw
Arthritis conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
Certain connective tissue diseases
Genetics

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