Understanding TMD: Top 5 Symptoms To Watch Out For

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is the general term we use for dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Everyone has two temporomandibular joints — one on each side of the face — connecting the jaw to the skull. When both are healthy and functioning properly, you should be able to open and close your mouth, yawn, chew, take a large bite of food, or move your jaw in any direction silently and with ease. A dysfunctional TMJ, on the other hand, can cause any number of symptoms that may impact your daily life, especially if you don’t get treatment.

While TMD manifests differently in each person, some symptoms are more prevalent than others. If you experience any of these 5 common TMD symptoms, please seek help from your Centreville, MI TMD dentist right away:

• Pain and Tenderness: We see it all the time with TMD — persistent pain or tenderness in the jaw and face. You may feel pain on one or both sides of the face, which may worsen with chewing, talking, or yawning. Pain can be anything from mild and sporadic to debilitating and constant, depending on the type and degree of dysfunction.
• Difficulty Chewing: TMD patients often complain of difficulty or discomfort while chewing. Sometimes, the patient feels like their jaw gets stuck or locked in a certain position. They may be unable to open their mouth wide or close it completely when this happens.
• Clicking, Popping, or Grinding: Another common TMD symptom is hearing sounds, like clicking, popping, or grinding, when you open and close your mouth. Any sound when you move your jaw typically indicates a problem with the TMJ or the muscles in that general area.
• Limited Range of Motion: TMD may restrict jaw movement, making it difficult to open your mouth as wide as you need to eat or speak properly. Your jaw may also stick in an open or closed position, which can also interfere with your daily oral hygiene and nightly sleep.
• Headaches: Frequent headaches, especially starting at your temples and spreading across your forehead, may indicate TMD. Headaches are usually caused by muscle strain and tension in the jaw and surrounding facial structures.

TMD has a wide variety of symptoms, including many not listed above. Recognizing the most common ones is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.

If you suspect you might have TMD, call our office located in Centreville, MI. We can assess your TMJ health and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Early treatment can alleviate your symptoms, prevent your TMD from worsening, improve your jaw function, and enhance your overall quality of life. Call today to schedule an appointment.