Do You Hear A Clicking Sound When You Eat?
Do you suffer from unexplained discomfort in your jaw, headaches from the moment you wake, or hear a strange clicking sound when you eat or talk? Many times these symptoms may come and go on their own; however, the issues may continue to worsen over time. These symptoms may possibly be from an underlying condition that you might not be aware of. Read on to learn more about the condition you may be experiencing.
What are TMD and TMJ?
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are issues that arise from problems with the jaw joints, and face muscles. Many times, you may also hear the term TMJ, which stands for the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint that attaches your skull to your jawbone. It acts like a hinge and works along with the jaw muscles to allow you to move your mouth when eating, swallowing and speaking.
What Causes Discomfort?
While at times it is difficult to pinpoint exactly why you might be having difficulties, there are a number of common causes that could be to blame:
- Grinding and clenching teeth, particularly while sleeping , which puts increased pressure on the joints
- Stress, which can cause your face and body muscles to tense
- Poor posture, such as hunching over while looking at a computer screen for hours a day
- Arthritis in the joints
- Injury to the face, neck, or, specifically, a blow which has impacted the TMJ
- Missing or worn teeth that do not line up properly when eating, causing additional pressure to the jaw
- Misaligned teeth between the upper and lower jaw area
Symptoms You May Experience
Symptoms related to TMD can include:
- Jaw that can feel stuck and difficult to open and close
- Clicking or popping sound while opening mouth or eating
- Discomfort in the jaw area or aching facial pain
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Headaches
If TMD conditions are not treated, the symptoms could increase or become more severe over time. If you live in or around the Denton, MD area and are experiencing any of these symptoms or are interested in learning more about TMD, please contact our office today. We look forward to seeing you soon.
