Temporomandibular Joint Disorder presents itself in varying degrees of severity such as degenerative joint disease, myofascial pain and internal derangement of the joint.

Due to the variability between each type of TMD, it is understandable that there are many different symptoms that can be associated with them. Nonetheless, there are several types of symptoms that are directly associated with most types of TMD.

They are as follows:

Changes in the bite
TMJ symptoms oftentimes show up after significant misalignment of the joints is experienced. Because of these changes, one of the first noticeable symptoms that can occur is an irregular occlusion or bite. This happens because the jaws, the teeth and the joint discs are no longer in their optimal balanced position.

Ear symptoms
TMJ disorder symptoms extend to problems related to the ears. This is because the affected joints are situated so close to the ears. Common ear-associated TMD symptoms are: sensation of ear stuffiness and fullness, ear pain, vertigo (dizziness) as well as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) . The latter is best characterised by the ringing sensation coming from the ear.

Temporomandibular joint clicking
Often noticed by a popping or clicking noise, TMJ clicking is a symptom commonly experienced by patients with TMD. As the jaw closes or opens, it creates clicking sounds which are normally heard by the patient alone. However, for more severe cases, the sound can be heard by someone standing nearby.

Temporomandibular joint locking
Jaw locking results from the misalignment of the jaws and the joints.

Teeth sensitivity
In some case, the teeth of a TMD patient become quite sensitive and painful due to clenching and grinding.

Stiffness of the temporomandibular joints
Due to changes in the alignment between the joints and the jaw, the quality of friction between both structures is changed. This can lead to acute painful sensations during jaw movements.

Headaches
Headaches are the most common symptom of TMD. This is usually felt around the temples and the back of the head as well as the neck. In some cases, headaches can advance to the level of pain radiated during migraine attacks.

Restriction of TMJ movement
With a displaced disc, or internal derangement of the joint, the TMJ movements become significantly restricted during movements. This is evident through decreased ability to open the mouth widely.

Other less common symptoms associated with TMD include

• photophobia
• depression
• difficulty sleeping

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend you visit Advanced Dental Care Clinic as soon as possible for a thorough examination.

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