What Is That Noise (Do I Have TMJ)?

Place your hand on either side of your face. Now, open and close your mouth.

That is your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) at work. The joint connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone on either side of your face. The joint is capable of both hinge and sliding motions, which is what allows us to do important things like chew, talk, and yawn.

While people often refer to problems with the joint as TMJ, that is the name of the joint itself and the pain is actually a disorder of the TMJ. Some of the most common symptoms of TMD include:

• Popping sounds/clicking noises when you open and close your mouth
• Pain and tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, ears or shoulders
• Jaws that get stuck or “locked” in an open or closed position
• Jaw mobility decrease
• Changes in your bite (how the top and bottom teeth fit together)
• Muscle spasms in the jaw area
• Frequent headaches, earaches, pressure and pain behind the eyes

Dr. Hough has a unique treatment for TMD. He was actually one of 8 students chosen for the orthodontic residency program that focused on orthodontics and TMJ. Dr. Hough has been providing effective, non surgical treatment to correct TMJ dysfunction without the use of drugs.  If you are suffering from any of the above listed symptoms, please call the office today for your complimentary consultation and exam.