What Are the Symptoms of TMD?
Although the TMJ is a tiny part of the body, soreness within this joint can cause extreme discomfort throughout the body. Symptoms of TMD can include:- Headaches
- Earaches
- Trouble opening and closing the mouth
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Tenderness in the jaw
- Increased tension in the shoulder muscles
- Rare cases, such as tinnitus
What Causes TMD?
Currently, there's no single answer as to what causes TMD, but dentists have identified many contributing factors. These include:- Teeth grinding
- An uneven bite caused by ill-fitted crowns and bridges
- High stress, which can lead to clenching and facial muscle tightness
- Any kind of trauma, including whiplash
- Arthritis of the TMJ