Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder affects the jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles, often including early symptoms such as mild jaw pain, clicking, grinding, popping sounds, discomfort and in some cases, headaches. Many of these initial warnings are easily dismissed as ‘not that serious!’ but this can quickly become more complex, if not treated early. If you’re waking up with jaw pain, experiencing difficulty chewing or restricted jaw movement, this may be indicative of mild TMJ disorder. Recognising these early signs will ensure you receive the dental care you need and seek the help you need as soon as possible.
Mild Jaw Pain
One of the most obvious signs of TMJ disorder is the onset of mild jaw pain. You may notice slight discomfort one day, and not take too much notice of it. However, if the pain continues for weeks and doesn’t appear to be getting better, (particularly if there is referred pain can in the ear and surrounding facial muscles), this could be an early sign of TMJ disorder.
Pain and discomfort will be more noticeable when you’re eating food, and may become more intense as time goes on. It can also affect just one side of your jaw. It’s best to book an appointment with your Canberra dentist for a thorough oral examination and further tests, if needed.
Regular Tension Headaches & Ear Pain
Another early sign of TMJ disorder is the regular occurrence of headaches and ear pain. It’s a common misconception that TMJ only affects the jaw but this is far from true.
Because the joint is located near the ears, head and neck area, the jaw is connected closely to these surrounding muscles, inadvertently impacting these localised areas.
You may specifically notice frequent headaches and tension after waking up from sleep; this is usually a result of repetitive jaw activity such as grinding and clenching. You may even notice more pain after chewing and talking throughout the day. If you’re experiencing mild ear pain also, this is often connected to the jaw dysfunction itself, not because you have an issue with your ears.
The wise thing to do if this is you, is to book a visit to your local dentist in Canberra and complete a thorough oral examination. This will uncover whether you have TMJ disorder and apply effective measures to reduce the ongoing symptoms of headaches and ear pain.
Chewing Discomfort
Eating food should be an easy and comfortable experience. If you’re experiencing any discomfort and pain while chewing, this is a clear sign of early TMJ disorder. Some of the most common symptoms include daily jaw soreness, abnormal bite and difficulty chewing.
This can feel like your mouth doesn’t work in the same way as before, and your teeth may also feel misaligned, causing pain and pressure in your jaw area. Just be mindful, there are certain foods (sticky, hard and very chewy) that can make chewing worse. If you’re not eating with ease and it’s starting to affect your quality of life, this may be an early sign of TMJ disorder. This is your cue to book a visit to your local dentist asap.
Joint Clicking & Popping Sensations
When your jaw disc is out of place, you may start to notice a clicking or popping sound when opening and closing your mouth. This is one of the clearest signs of TMJ dysfunction. Whether this has been happening for several weeks or months, it is imperative to see a dental professional as quickly as possible.
Although these early symptoms may not be excruciatingly painful, it can be easy to just ignore and dismiss these signs as nothing to worry about.
However, if you let this go for too long, it can very quickly progress into chronic TMJ disorder, causing more costly dental expenses and even worse, causing limited jaw movement – that may impact your daily eating habits and quality of life.
Grinding is also a sign of TMJ, indicating wear and tear in the joint area. Be mindful, even though jaw pain may not yet be apparent, if left for too long, this can quickly progress into something more serious and progressive pain later down the track.
Jaw Stiffness
If you’re experiencing a change in how your jaw works, moves and feels, take notice. Any form of stiffness, locking sensation or restriction of movement can indicate TMJ disorder. The joint disc may be misaligned and not working as it should be. Regular episodes of locking and jaw stiffness can very quickly turn into a more serious problem, if not treated early.
Don’t hesitate to book a dental appointment as quickly as possible. What appears to be ok now, can rapidly turn into difficulty opening and closing your mouth. Don’t let it get this point. Seek early intervention and treatment to ensure optimal oral health.
Don’t Ignore the Early Symptoms
At the first sign of TMJ symptoms, it’s important to keep an eye on it before it gets worse. If you’re experiencing headaches, jaw pain, clicking sounds and difficulty chewing and speaking, this may be an indication of underlying joint stress. Being aware of these early symptoms will help you take the necessary action required, and protect your oral health from deteriorating further. My Dentist Canberra will review your symptoms and medical history to get a clearer picture of your existing situation and ensure a swift recovery.
FAQs about TMJ Disorder
How do you develop TMJ disorder?
There is no singular cause that is responsible for TMJ disorder however, there are different factors that may contribute to TMJ dysfunction including teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis in the joint, trauma in the jaw and clenching due to ongoing stress.
Is there a specific test for TMJ dysfunction?
TMJ is not determined by one single test or examination. Your dentist will assess your jaw and follow through with some jaw exercises – checking for any clicking or popping sounds. Your bite motion and jaw range will also be checked for pain levels. A CT scan, MRI or X-Rays may be advised to get a clearer picture of any underlying joint stress and dysfunction.
Does TMJ disorder go away?
There are different levels of TMJ dysfunction. If you have mild symptoms, this may usually resolve itself on its own without too much intervention. If symptoms are ongoing and don’t appear to be getting better, it’s best to see a dentist to get a quick diagnosis. Prevention is key.
Is there anything I can do to help improve mild TMJ symptoms?
Some common treatments you can do for yourself includes practicing stress management techniques, taking mild pain medications, using dental splints and mouthguards, daily jaw exercises, as well as lifestyle and dietary changes. If chronic TMJ is present, corticosteroid injections may be administered, although only as a final resort.
Is TMJ disorder linked to other health issues?
Yes, it is. TMJ disorder is often connected to health conditions such as headaches, prolonged stress, anxiety, misalignment of teeth, arthritis affecting the jaw joint and even jaw injury. Taking a wholistic approach to treatment will bring significant results.
