Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a common dental issue that impacts the joint between the lower jaw and the skull. Nearly 12% of the population deals with TMJ disorder. It can cause both chronic and acute pain, potentially impacting your ability to chew properly.

Here are five signs that you may need TMJ therapy to handle this condition.

1. Jaw Pain

You may experience pain or tenderness in your jaw due to your TMJ. This is particularly common during activities such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. Some patients have a dull ache, while others can find themselves with sudden and sharp pain.

If you’ve been dealing with persistent jaw pain, then TMJ disorder could be a likely cause. This pain can also spread across the face, neck, and shoulders. Jaw pain is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ, so you should consider seeking out therapy for TMJ disorder if you have it.

2. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth

TMJ disorder affects the joint responsible for opening and closing your mouth. As a result, some cases lead to difficulty opening or closing your mouth. You may feel like your jaw is locked in place, with little or no movement possible.

This locking sensation can come and go and may be more common when opening your mouth very wide. If you’ve had episodes of jaw locking, you should talk to your dentist about TMJ therapy.

3. Clicking or Popping

The temporomandibular joint is made up of small, complex components that can become damaged over time. This may lead to clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving your jaw. The disk of the joint may be damaged, or there could be worn cartilage.

While your jaw may click for a variety of reasons, frequent sounds might be cause for concern. This is particularly true if the noises are accompanied by pain or discomfort. You may require TMJ surgery to restore this complex joint.

4. Ear Pain

If you’re dealing with frequent earaches, they may actually be caused by TMJ disorder. The hinge of the joint is located very close to the ear on either side of your head. Pain or discomfort associated with the joint might first feel like it is coming from the ear.

TMJ disorder is also associated with tinnitus, which is a persistent ringing sensation. The condition is often mistaken as an ear infection before further investigation. If you have persistent earaches, then TMJ therapy might be the solution for you.

5. Frequent Headaches

The joint that opens and closes your jaw is accompanied by a wide network of muscles and nerves that spread across the entire face. Because of this, TMJ disorder also causes headaches when those muscles and nerves are strained.

Headaches at the temples or around the jaw may require TMJ therapy to deal with effectively.

Find the TMJ Therapy You Need in Colorado Today

What is TMJ therapy like if you do require it for your case? TMJ therapy can include various treatments, ranging from specialized TMJ therapy exercises to surgery. The skilled team at Pinnacle Dentistry provides a variety of treatment options and can evaluate your case to deliver the right solutions for your needs.

Book your appointment to learn more about therapy for TMJ disorder today.