Grinding & TMJ

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is comprised of muscles, blood vessels, nerves and bones. There are two TMJs, one on each side of your jaw. TMJ disorders are problems or symptoms of the chewing muscles and joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull.

The cause of pain in TMJ includes:

• The result of displacement of the cartilage disc that causes pressure and stretching of the associated sensory nerves
• A bad bite or orthodontic braces stress and tooth grinding

Symptoms associated with TMJ disorders may include:

• Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort
• Clicking, popping or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth
• Dull, aching pain in the face
• Earache
• Headache
• Jaw pain or tenderness of the jaw
• Reduced ability to open or close the mouth