Problems related to your jaw joints and connected muscles are called Temporomandibular Joint Disorders or TMJ Disorders. People with this condition often complain of jaw pain on one side or both. But there are other symptoms that hint at this disorder, like headache, shoulder pain, trouble with jaw and mouth movements, and more.
What Causes It?
Any injury or trauma related to jaw joints or surrounding tissues and muscles– like the neck and shoulders– can cause TMJ. The condition can be both: acute and chronic. TMJ results in jaw pain on one side, pain in the shoulder, and other places ranging from mild to critical and agonizing.
Jaw Pain In One Side & Other Indications
TMJ symptoms are not limited to jaw pain on one or both sides. The other indications of TMJ are:
Jaw Popping Sounds:
A pop or a click sound in your jaw joints may suggest TMJ. Typically, when you open or close your mouth, there is a slight pop or click in your jaw joint– if this happens, you might want to visit a doctor for inspection.
Jaw Movement Pain On One Side (or Both):
A common symptom of TMJ is jaw pain on one side or both temporomandibular joints when you move your jaw. Whether you are yawning or eating or chewing, or simply speaking, it may hurt your jaw. This can result from improper alignment of teeth, thus leading to jaw muscles paying the price for it.
Other Aching Areas:
Not only does TMJ lead to jaw pain on one side of the mouth or both, but also pain in other areas, including ears, shoulders, neck, and even headaches.
Jaw Locks:
Your jaw will get locked, which looks like trouble opening the mouth wide or closing it. Moreover, there is an audible popping sound once the jaw pops back to its place.
Facial Fatigue:
You might feel tired on your face as your facial muscles work to make up for TMJ. So if there is slight but persistent tension or fatigue on your face, or even after just using your jaw– it might be a sign of TMJ. Go to a doctor for an immediate check-up.
Labored Chewing:
Trouble comes in chewing if you have TMJ. You might have difficulty taking bites and chewing since your jaw is improperly aligned. Similarly, it will be a difficult task to eat chewy or crunchy food. Try to level your top and bottom teeth with little to no strain.
Swollen Face:
TMJ disorder causes inflammation in your joint capsule. The inflammation coupled with any damage to the jaw area can lead to swelling on one side of your face. Although not a common symptom, but still something people with TMJ experience.
Other symptoms might look like this:
- Tinnitus: a ringing sound in your ears.
- Misalignment of teeth
- Dizziness
- Hearing difficulties
All in all
TMJ Disorders are severe and can result from damage to the jaw joint, neck, and shoulder tissues or muscles, whiplash, or an improper bite.
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact us at +1-281-800-8852 or request an appointment at Vintage Oral Surgery & Periodontics.
We look forward to helping you!