Common Signs and Symptoms of TMD

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, is a condition that causes pain in the jaw, head, neck, or shoulders. This pain often occurs as a result of problems with the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.

Here are common symptoms of TMD:

Jaw Muscle Tenderness

Certain symptoms, such as jaw pain and headaches, can indicate a temporomandibular joint disorder. Patients may also experience tender jaw muscles when opening and closing their mouths. The soreness may go away on its own with self-care practices like resting your jaw or eating soft foods. However, if the pain persists for more than a few days, it’s best to visit the dentist for an exam. They can determine if your symptoms are caused by TMD or another condition.

Difficulty Chewing

Patients that suffer from TMJ disorder will often experience problems with chewing food properly. The discomfort and pain associated with TMJ disorder can cause patients to hold off on eating or eating foods that are easier to chew, such as softer foods.

Patients with TMJ disorder may also feel pain when biting down, as doing so puts additional pressure on the jaw joints. This can lead to difficulty chewing tough foods and may result in patients avoiding certain foods altogether. This can also affect the way a person speaks as the jaw joints move while speaking.

Limited Range of Jaw Motion

If you have trouble opening and closing your mouth, it may be a sign that you have temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. The condition affects about 7 in 10 adults, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It’s usually caused by stress or strain on the jaw joint. Symptoms include limited movement in the jaw and pain that worsens when chewing. You may also notice that your jaw pops when you open or close your mouth. 

Clicking or Popping Sound When Opening or Closing Your Mouth

Clicking, popping, or a grating noise when you open or close your mouth may be an indication of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). These sounds are associated with jaw dysfunction that causes the joints to damage cartilage or ligaments that hold the joints together.

Earaches and Headaches

Very severe toothaches, facial pain, and chronic migraines can all be symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). In fact, these symptoms are so common that about one in five adults in the United States will experience some form of jaw or tooth pain in their lifetimes. Such symptoms may be a sign that your bite is out of alignment and that your temporomandibular joints are inflamed.

Schedule a consultation with our team by calling the Las Vegas Dental office at (702) 248-4448 or Henderson dental office at (702) 485-4777 to learn more about our dental services. We would be happy to help.