What Causes Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms can be the result of an injury to the joint, improper alignment of the jaw and teeth, overuse due to excessive or vigorous chewing, or the action of orthodontics. Habitual clenching or grinding of the teeth, especially while sleeping, can cause or aggravate symptoms. Besides pain and difficulty chewing, jaw symptoms can include decreased range of motion, locking, popping, clicking, or sudden misalignment of the teeth. TMJ can lead to pain that radiates to the face, head, neck, and shoulders. Some chronic sufferers experience headaches, dizziness, earaches, and even difficulty hearing.
