TMJD
Causes: Stress & Injury
Stress can put pressure on the muscles and tissues in the jaw, causing them to become tense and inflexible. This tension may lead to pain and discomfort when chewing, speaking, or yawning. Also, stress can cause a person to grind their teeth or clench their jaw, aggravating TMJD symptoms.
Another potential cause of TMJD is an injury to the jaw area. A blow to the face or whiplash-like motion in a car accident can damage the soft tissue around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). If this injury is severe enough, it may disrupt the normal functioning of the joint and lead to TMJD symptoms such as clicking sounds when opening and closing your mouth or difficulty opening your mouth wide. Surgery may be necessary in some cases if other treatments do not relieve these symptoms.
Both stress and injury are common causes of TMJD that should be taken seriously if persistent pain arises in the jaw area. Those with TMJD need to visit a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment options so they can receive relief from their painful symptoms as soon as possible.
Symptoms:
Pain and discomfort associated with TMJD can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the jaw joint, neck, and face.
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
- A clicking sound when opening or closing the jaw.
- Headaches.
Request an Appointment
We look forward to helping you get the smile you dream about!