TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint.

It connects the jawbone to the skull on both sides of the face. This joint enables you to open and close your mouth, eat, and speak. It’s also responsible for the side-to-side movement of the lower jaw.

When you touch the area in front of your ear, below your cheekbone, you’re touching the TMJ. Try to open and close your mouth and you’ll feel it moving too. If you hear a popping or clicking sound, that could be a sign of a TMJ issue.

Any problem that involves the TMJ - the joint, muscles, and ligaments in the system - is called a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

TMD Symptoms

Aside from the clicking sound, here are other symptoms of a TMD:

• Pain in the jaw joints
• Pain that reaches your ear
• Ear congestion
• Pain in your face
• Pain in your neck and back
• Chewing difficulties
• Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
• Headaches

TMD symptoms are usually mild and subside on their own. However, some people also experience chronic pain in the TMJ area and this can affect their daily living and well-being.

If your jaw joints are bothering you, call our dental office at (403) 382-2273. Our Lethbridge Dentist, Dr. Lachman, can examine the area and recommend a treatment plan.