Do I Have Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)?

Are you a woman between 20 and 40?

Do you have an aching pain in and around your ear?

Are you experiencing headaches or facial pain (temple or cheek pain)?

Do you have pain or tenderness of your jaw, or pain in one or both of your jaw joints (temporomandibular joints)?

Have you ever had your jaws "stuck" or "locked" in open- or closed- mouth position?

Does your jaw click or pop when you move it?

Do you have tendency to clench or grind your teeth (bruxism)?

Do you have difficulty in opening your mouth fully, difficulty chewing or pain while chewing?

Have you notice a change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together?

Do you have ringing in your ears (tinnitus)?

Do you chew gum excessively?

Do you have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis?

Have you had a jaw injury?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a temporomandibular joint syndrome. The temporomandibular joint is the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull and allows you to open and close your mouth. Temporomandibular joint syndrome, commonly called TMJ refers to a pain or discomfort in your jaw joint. Many conditions, such as tooth decay or gum disease or ear and sinus infections, can cause similar symptoms to the symptoms of TMJ and often can be difficult to distinguish them. Please, make an appointment with your physician or your dentist for further evaluation of your symptoms.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a temporomandibular joint syndrome or TMJ. The joint that connects the upper and lower jaw is called the temporomandibular joint, which allows you to move your mouth while chewing, talking or yawning. TMJ refers to a group of conditions that cause pain in the jaw joint. A jaw injury can be one of the causes of TMJ syndrome but in most cases symptoms seem to appear without obvious reason. Diagnosis is an important step before starting a treatment so please contact your dentist or a physician.

Based on your answer there is a high possibility that you have a temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). The temporomandibular joint connects the upper and lower jawbones, and it allows you to move your mouth while chewing, talking, or yawning. TMJ pain can be caused by various reasons such as repeated chewing (e.g. chewing gum), clenching your teeth, or jaw injury, but often TMJ happens without obvious reason. Your doctor will recommend treatment that includes resting your muscles and joints by eating softer food, avoiding chewing gum and biting your nails, using warm compresses, massage of a jawline, OTC painkillers or using a dental guard while you sleep.