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Try this test right now:- Place a finger over the joint in front of your ear.
- Open your jaw slightly.
- Then open wide until you can feel the joint move.Read more ...
If you hear a grating, clicking, or crackling noise, or if it’s tender when you press, you may have a temperomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
You might also have TMD if you have any of these symptoms:
- Jaw pain
- Popping jaw
- Clicking jaw
- Dislocated jaw
- Earache
- Jaw pain under the ear
- Pain in the face, jaw or neck
- Stiffness in the jaw muscle
- Not being able to open your jaw all the way, or your jaw getting “locked” open or closed
Some of the symptoms — headache and ear pain, for example — can be mistaken for migraines or ear infections, hence all the confusion among professionals.
TMD Relief
Most of the time, you can find relief by reducing the amount of wear and tear to the joint. Stop chewing gum, eat softer foods, keep your dental appointments as short as possible, and wear a nightguard to give your jaw a break during the day and prevent clenching at night. Some people find relief with muscle relaxation techniques. Treat this condition as you would a muscle injury.
How Is TMD Diagnosed?
Because the exact causes and symptoms aren’t clear, there isn’t a standard test to diagnose TMD. ENT doctors and dentists are typically the ones to make a diagnosis, based on traditional symptoms, especially jaw pain.
No one dentist has the same approach, which is why it’s very important to understand your treatment options and get a second opinion.
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