TMJ disorders (temporomandibular joint disorders) affect the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles that control jaw movement.

The TMJ acts like a complex sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull and allowing you to talk, chew, yawn, and express yourself freely. When the joint, disc, muscles, or ligaments aren’t working properly, it can cause pain, clicking, stiffness, and limited jaw function — often impacting eating, speaking, sleeping, and overall quality of life.

Causes of TMJ Disorders

 

  • Jaw Injury — Trauma from sports, motor vehicle accidents (ICBC), or direct impact to the jaw joint.
  • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) — Clenching or grinding teeth, often during sleep or times of stress.
  • Arthritis — Degenerative changes or inflammatory conditions affecting the TMJ.
  • Jaw Misalignment — Bite issues or structural problems with jaw positioning (malocclusion).
  • Stress and Muscle Tension — Tightness in the jaw, face, and neck muscles triggered by stress.
  • Poor Posture — Forward head posture that places extra strain on the jaw and neck muscles.
  • Disc Problems — Displacement, degeneration, or damage to the cushioning disc within the TMJ.
  • Connective Tissue Disorders — Conditions that affect joint stability and function.
  • Habitual Behaviors — Excessive gum chewing, nail biting, or cheek biting.
  • Prolonged Dental Work — Extended periods with the mouth open during dental procedures.

 

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

 

  • Pain — In the jaw joint, face, ears, neck, shoulders, or temples.
  • Clicking or popping — Audible sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
  • Limited jaw movement — Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully.
  • Jaw locking — Temporary inability to open or close the jaw.
  • Headaches — Often similar to tension headaches or migraines.
  • Ear symptoms — Ear pain, ringing (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness.
  • Facial muscle fatigue — Tiredness in the face after eating or talking.
  • Uneven bite — Feeling that the teeth don’t fit together properly.
  • Dizziness — Balance issues linked to the proximity of the TMJ to the inner ear.
  • Sleep disturbances — Difficulty sleeping due to pain or clenching.