At Downtown Dental, Dr. Don Mungcal and his staff work alongside patients to get them the proper diagnosis and treatment for their unique dental needs. If you are in the Los Angeles, California, area and are seeking a skilled team providing oral health solutions, we invite you to contact us. This is especially true if you notice the signs and symptoms of TMJ or the temporomandibular joint. Let’s look at TMJ/TMD conditions and what to look for when this problem develops.
What is TMJ/TMD?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, also known as TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), refer to conditions that affect the muscles and joints in the jaw. These conditions often cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, neck, and head.
What causes TMJ concerns to develop?
Several potential causes of conditions like TMJ/TMD include injury or trauma to the jaw or jaw area, arthritis, teeth grinding or clenching (known as bruxism), misalignment of the teeth or jaw, stress and tension in the facial muscles, or genetics.
Five Common Signs of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
- Jaw clicking or popping. Does your jaw sound like it’s trying to join a percussion band every time you eat or yawn? That clicking or popping noise could be a sign of TMJ. While it might initially seem harmless, it can become extremely problematic as the condition worsens so that an evaluation may be in store!
- Jaw pain or soreness. If chewing your favorite snacks feels like a workout for your jaw, you might be dealing with TMJ. This discomfort often sneaks up on you, starting mild and then making itself known during meals or after talking a lot. TMD might be present if your jaw is hurting when opening or closing the mouth.
- Locking or stiffness in the jaw. Do you feel like your jaw is stuck in “pause mode”? TMJ can sometimes cause the jaw to feel locked or stiff, making it tricky to open or close your mouth properly. This can be extremely problematic for many of our patients.
- Frequent headaches or ear pain. Do you ever wonder why you’re getting those headaches that won’t go away or that mysterious ear pain with no infection in sight? TMJ might be the unexpected culprit.
- Facial or neck pain. TMJ doesn’t just stay confined to your jaw. It is common to cause issues elsewhere, such as creating soreness in the face, neck, or shoulders. If you notice these changes, schedule an evaluation with a dental professional for TMJ concerns.
If these are your daily struggles, it might be time to check in with a healthcare professional. TMJ may not be fun, but addressing it can bring serious relief—and make snack time enjoyable again!
Who can I reach to learn more about TMJ diagnosis and treatment?
Are you interested in learning more about TMJ and undergoing an initial evaluation? Call Downtown Dental at 213-863-9464 or email office@downtowndentalLA.com to request an appointment at our clinic, conveniently located at 255 South Grand Avenue, Suite 204, in Los Angeles, California.
