November is National TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Awareness Month.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. 

Common symptoms of TMD include:
-Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide.
-Limited ability to open the mouth very wide.
-Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position.
-Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain) or chewing.
-A tired feeling in the face.
-Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite – as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly.
-Swelling on the side of the face (May occur on one or both sides of the face).

Other common symptoms of TMD include toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches, hearing problems, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitis).

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and would like an evaluation, please contact our office at (480) 889-1800.