Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are located on both sides of the face, just in front of the ears. The TMJs connect the lower jawbone to the skull and assist in movements like chewing and speaking. TMJ dysfunction occurs when the muscles and ligaments around the jaw joints become inflamed or irritated. The condition may be acute or chronic, and the resulting pain may be mild or severe.
Symptoms

Facial pain

  • One side

or Jaw pain

common

Headache

  • In the temporal region

  • Steady

  • Radiates to the jaw

  • Rapidly developing

  • On one side of the head

common

Difficulty opening the mouth

common

Ear pain

common

Fatigue

Ringing in ears

  • One ear

Toothache

Face swelling

Risk factors

Teeth grinding

Stress

or Anxiety

Trauma to jaw

Treatment
Treatments range from simple self-care practices and conservative treatments to injections and open surgery. Most experts agree that treatment should begin with conservative, nonsurgical therapies, with surgery left as the last resort.
Recommended specialist

If you have Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, then a visit to a dentist is recommended.

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Dentist

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