Tempro Mandibular Joint/ TMJ is a joint located on either side of your face in front of the ears which connects the mandible/ lower joint to the skull. It allows the mandible to move side-to-side, forward-backward- i.e- helps you in speaking and chewing. TMJ disorder (TMJD) is a painful condition which causes jaw pain and limited function. Common symptoms include -

• Limited range of motion/ opening

• Popping or clicking sounds from the joint

• Deviation of lower jaw on opening

• Pain

A lot of people do not realise that TMJD can also lead to a host of side effects in the head and neck region because of which they visit different doctors for relief with no avail. The most common side effects include-

1. HEADACHES and MIGRAINES- Depending on when the TMJ flares up, the tension within the jaw joint constantly keeps pulling and stressing the muscles around it causing the pain to radiate across the forehead , face and scalp. This muscle fatigue can cause chronic headaches and migraines. If you think that you might be suffering from this- let us know and we will screen you for common oral signs of TMJD to rule out jaw problems / irregular teeth alignment which might contribute to this.

2. EARACHES- In addition to Headches, ear pain is extremely common. The throbbing and shooting earaches that you have been complaining about may not be due to a ear infection at all. Clenching or grinding your teeth can also make this worse. If your ENT doctor has ruled out any ear issues- it is probably your joint to blame.

3. NECK. SHOULDER and BACK PAIN- Sometimes your jaw muscles can be so strained that they create tension that can reach well into the neck, shoulder and upper back region.

At Summit Dental Clinic, we have a TMJ specialist who can assess and offer the best therapeutic treatments including a conservative non-surgical route.