WatchTMJ & TMD

A sore jaw, clicking, or morning headaches: what TMJ disorders look like

A TMJ disorder, also called TMD for temporomandibular joint dysfunction, has a way of showing up in places you wouldn't expect: a sore jaw on waking, clicks or pops while chewing, or frequent tension headaches. The temporomandibular joints connect your jaw to your skull, and stress or misalignment there often produces symptoms that seem to come from somewhere else entirely.

This video gets into what's happening inside the joint itself and why TMJ disorders produce such a wide range of symptoms, from jaw pain and earaches to headaches, neck pain, and even disrupted sleep. Plenty of people don't put the pieces together until a dentist points out telltale wear patterns left behind by grinding.

Nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, bite misalignment, and joint injury are the usual culprits, and the reassuring part is that most cases improve with conservative TMJ treatment, no surgery required. That might mean a custom night guard, jaw exercises, or a bite adjustment. Addressing TMJ disorders early heads off the more serious complications they can cause down the line, including cracked teeth and gum recession.

Any combination of these symptoms is worth acting on rather than waiting out. At Dr. Raffi General & Implant Dentistry, we evaluate your bite, look for wear patterns, and talk through treatment options built around what's actually causing your symptoms.

Read the video transcript