Jaw-Dropping Truths: 9 TMJ Facts That’ll Make Your Mouth Drop

CLINICAL CONTENT WRITTEN & REVIEWED BY CLOVE CLINICAL TEAM

Last Modified: July 29, 2024

FACT CHECKED

Introduction
Treatment Options
Conclusion

When you yawn, have you ever had that annoying clicking feeling in your jaw? or experienced an apparent headache emanating from your ears when you woke up?

Welcome to the world of Temporomandibular Joint disorders. TMJ pains & disorders are much more common than you may realize. But before we jump to conclusions, let’s first try and understand the realm of TMJ. Post that we’ll walk you through some lesser-known information about this surprising condition.

Your jaw and skull are joined by a hinge joint called the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. To put it simply, it functions like a sliding door that you may use to chew, open and close your mouth, and speak. Just in front of your ears, on both sides of your face, lies this joint. You’re not even aware of it when it functions properly. However, pain and difficulty eating or speaking can result if it aches or moves poorly.

1. Ladies, hear us out! TMJ is playing favorites, affecting women nine times more often than men. Girl power gone wrong, perhaps?
2. 20s and 30s-somethings, we know life already is tough for you and your TMJ isn’t helping as well. With all the added stress, you’re in the TMJ danger zone as well. It’s most common between ages 20 and 40. Midlife crisis for your jaw, anyone?
3. Stressed out? Your jaw might be too. Anxiety can be a major TMJ trigger. Time to find your zen, for your jaw’s sake!
4. Night grinders, beware! That unconscious teeth-gnashing could be setting you up for TMJ troubles.
5. Took a hit to the face? Your TMJ might be feeling it. Injuries can lead to this pesky problem.
6. If you’re someone who’s battling arthritis, your jaw might also join the fight. Inflammatory conditions put you at an increased risk of TMJ disorders.
7. Popping pills for other issues? Some meds, like muscle relaxants or antidepressants, might make TMJ symptoms worse. Talk about a jaw-dropping side effect!
8. TMJ isn’t just a jaw thing. It can cause pain in your ears, neck, and shoulders too. Talk about spreading misery!
9. That ringing in your ears? It might not be tinnitus, but TMJ playing tricks on you.

So, what can you do?

Heat packs
stress-busting techniques
avoiding tough-to-chew foods can help.

But if your jaw’s still gives you grief, it’s time to chat with an expert. They can help diagnose the underlying cause and create a care plan that’ll have you smiling wide again – without the click!

Remember, a happy jaw means a happy you. So, keep these facts in mind and give your TMJ the TLC it deserves!