Do you feel pain or clicking sound while opening or closing the mouth?

 Do you know about the temporomandibular joint pain?

Temporomandibular disorders are problems affecting the jaw joint and the muscles and other tissues around the jaw joint. These disorders usually cause pain or reduced movement of the jaw, and sometimes sounds such as clicking or grating of the jaw joint. There are various causes but generally temporomandibular disorders are not serious and often improve with simple treatments.

Understanding the jaw joint

A joint is the place where two bones meet. Joints allow movement and flexibility between two bones. The jaw joint allows movement between the jawbone (mandible) and the skull. Muscles attached to the skull and jawbone cause the jawbone to move as the mouth is opened and closed.

Inside the jaw joint, there is a smooth material called cartilage, covering part of the bones. There is also a cartilage disc within the joint. The joint is lubricated by fluid called synovial fluid.

The muscles used for chewing (mastication) are mainly responsible for movement of the jaw.

Symptoms of TMD

• Pain in the joint area or nearby. 
• Jaw movements may be reduced. 
• Clicks or noises can sometimes be heard coming from the jaw joint when you chew or move your mouth. 
• Because the ear is very close to the jaw joint, some people develop ear symptoms such as:
• Noise in the ear.
• Sensitivity to sound.
• Dizziness (vertigo)

TMD treatment

Most problems in the jaw joint can be helped with simple treatments such as painkillers and advice on how to rest the joint. If you think you have TMD then don’tsee your dentist for advice.