FAQ - Causes of TMJ

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Overview

While the exact cause of this disorder is unknown, some factors have been attributed to it; uneven bites (from crooked or drifting teeth), arthritis, stress, even injury. It could be multiple factors. What IS known is that this causes clenching or grinding of teeth, especially while you are sleeping and you're not aware of it (only 10% of people who clench or grind their teeth know that they are doing it).

The effects range, but usually the person develops muscle spasms and pain, which in turn causes more clenching, which in turn causes more TMJ. This is a spiral towards an even more painful jaw and mouth and a slow wearing out of the chewing surfaces of teeth and possible cracking of teeth.

List of Symptoms

• jaw pain, usually in morning, and during chewing or yawning
• earache without infection, sometimes into the face
• pain in front of ear
• clicking or grinding noise while opening and closing mouth, or difficulty moving mouth
• stiff jaw when talking or yawning
• sensitive teeth with no dental problems
• aches on side of head
• burning sensations on tongue
• grinding of teeth
• restriction of jaw movement

If you have any of these symptoms, come see us. We have solutions to this problem.

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