How can I tell if I have TMD?

Do you feel pain in your jaw and face?

It can be a little scary if you can't explain it. But in most cases, it may have something to do with your temporomandibular joint or TMJ.

TMJ is a hinge-like joint that connects the jawbone and the skull. It’s a complex system that allows you to open, close, and move your mouth from side to side.

If anything goes wrong with your TMJ, you can experience discomfort when moving your jaw.

Common TMD Symptoms

Here are some ways to tell if you may have a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

● Clicking and popping sounds. The TMJ shouldn’t make any sound when activated. Clicking and popping may mean something’s not right. Not everyone with TMD experiences it, but be sure to let your dentist know right away if you do.

● Headaches. The pain can originate from behind the eyes and be dull or excruciating. You may mistake it for typical headaches. But if they're accompanied by other symptoms, they may be TMD-related.

● Pain while moving your jaw. If your jaw pain radiates to your temples, it may be due to teeth misalignment because the jaw works harder in this situation. The pressure makes regular jaw movements like yawning or chewing painful.

● Body pain. Inflammation in the TMJ can cause muscle tension throughout the body. Poor posture, which can be present due to TMJ issues, can also contribute to the pain.

● Chewing difficulties. Test if your upper and lower teeth meet when you bite. Chewing becomes harder if the jaw is misaligned. Muscles try to compensate but if the teeth aren’t meeting or closing properly, eating chewy or crunchy food might still be extra challenging.

● Sinus infections. TMD is linked to sinus problems as sinuses run through the jaw muscles. Sinus pain and infection make TMJ problems worse. Sinus allergies can cause you to sneeze often, which can lead to your TMJ popping. If your sinuses are blocked or swollen, breathing becomes harder, and you may find yourself breathing through the mouth. When you breathe with your mouth open, the jaw veers from its normal position and this can cause pressure to it.

● Other unusual symptoms. Usually, TMJ problems are connected to jaw misalignment. But even if you feel that the symptoms aren’t related to your TMJ, discuss them with your dentist. TMJ problems can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms vary widely.

Diagnosing TMD in Brandon, Manitoba

TMJ problems can impact your everyday routine. Keep them from worsening. Find out if the irregularities and discomfort you’re experiencing are related to the TMJ system.

Here at Princess Dental in Brandon, Manitoba, we perform therapy for TMD. We start with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, oral health, and medical history. Since causes vary, your treatment may be a combination of various methods.