TMJ

Do you clench or grind your teeth?  Have a lot of stress in your life?  Or arthritis?

Any of these conditions can cause jaw pain, popping of the jaw while talking or chewing (with pain or without), or even locking of the jaw (in the open or closed position).  These symptoms could be TMJ.

TMJ is a condition or disorder of the temporomandibular joint and can sometimes also be referred to as TMD (temporomandibular disorder).  The TMJ is literally the hinge of the jaw that connects to the temporal bones in the skull.  This joint is what allows yawning, chewing, and talking.

The pain caused by TMJ can be one-sided or on both sides of the jaw and face.  Women from the ages of 20 to 40 are more apt to experience TMJ.  Its wide variety of symptoms and areas of pain make it harder to recognize without a professional assessment.

For a professional assessment by Dr. DiMattia, call 781-862-0665 today.  Any persist pain or tenderness should be assessed as soon as possible, and immediate attention is required if you cannot fully open or close the mouth.