​Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMD or TMJD, is a term used to describe a group of jaw conditions that cause a range of painful symptoms, including headaches; facial pain; jaw pain; sore, chipped, broken or worn teeth; clicking or popping in the jaw; and limited jaw movement. TMJ dysfunction affects an estimated 10 million Americans, and yet, the number of people receiving treatment for the condition is not even close to that.

TMJD often starts off with minor symptoms such as a click when you yawn or chew. But it can progress into unbearable pain and discomfort. It is more common in women, and usually the symptoms begin after puberty. Symptoms include clicking, popping or grinding noise when you move your jaw. Sufferers may also experience jaw pain, a tight feeling across your face, headaches around the temple, ear pain, dizziness, feelings of fullness or ringing in the ears, difficulty opening your jaw, jaw lock when opening your mouth, pain when chewing, and pain in the mornings or when stressed.

Long-term effects of TMJD can include migraine headaches, which occur because your facial muscles are trying to compensate, and that causes them to become fatigued and stressed, leading to migraines. TMJ dysfunction symptoms can even extend to the neck, shoulders and back.

Many of these symptoms are caused by your muscles working harder than they are meant to. TMJD can cause hearing damage and hearing loss because of how closely your jaw is located to your ear canal. Sometimes pain in the ear caused by TMJ dysfunction can even be mistaken for an ear infection. Severe cases can cause ringing in the ears and other damage that can lead to hearing loss. TMJD can become so severe it can cause some people to try to cope with the pain through drugs or alcohol. Many people have never heard of TMJD, so it's not uncommon for patients to go undiagnosed. Luckily, dealing with the condition doesn't have to be a permanent part of your life. Treatments are available for those who seek help.

A click in your jaw may seem minor, but it can lead to severe health issues and discomfort in the future. The sooner you are diagnosed and treated for TMJ dysfunction, the less chance you have of dealing with the symptoms in the future. It can be treated in a multitude of ways. One of the best and most permanent solutions is facial growth techniques. Over the years, Dr. Buck has treated many TMJ dysfunction patients who visited doctor after doctor trying to stop the pain, but their condition went undiagnosed until Dr. Buck ended their chronic pain with neuromuscular dentistry.

Call us to find relief for your TMJ dysfunction symptoms today.