Top 5 Signs You Have a TMJ Problem:

1. Pain in the Face, Neck, or Shoulders

   • What to look for: An occasional click or pop in the jaw may not be a major issue, but if you’re experiencing persistent pain in the face, neck, or shoulders, it could indicate a TMJ problem. This pain often worsens with jaw movement or tension. If you notice pain that doesn’t subside, it’s important to seek evaluation from a healthcare provider.

2. Limited Mouth Opening

   • What to look for: The normal range of mouth opening is typically three fingers stacked vertically between the upper and lower teeth. If you find yourself avoiding certain foods because of difficulty opening your mouth wide or feel that you have to move your jaw in a specific way to open it fully, you may be dealing with limited mouth opening—a common sign of TMJ dysfunction.

3. Painful Clicking or Locking When Opening or Closing Your Mouth

   • What to look for: While it’s normal for the jaw to make slight noises during movement, painful clicking or locking during mouth opening or closing can be a sign of joint inflammation or muscle imbalance. This discomfort is often distressing and indicates that the joint is not functioning properly. In some cases, the jaw may “lock,” making it difficult to fully open or close the mouth.

4. A Significant Change in How Your Upper and Lower Teeth Fit Together

   • What to look for: If you notice that your teeth no longer fit together the way they used to, or if certain teeth make contact before others when you close your mouth, this could be due to TMJ swelling or misalignment. This misalignment happens when the TMJ is swollen, which can cause issues with the way your teeth meet and function.

5. Headaches, Earaches, Toothaches, Dizziness, Hearing Problems, or Difficulty Swallowing

   • What to look for: TMJ dysfunction can cause referred pain, meaning that the pain you feel might not always be in the immediate area of the issue. Headaches, earaches, toothaches, dizziness, hearing problems, and trouble swallowing can all be linked to TMJ problems. Many individuals are eventually diagnosed with TMD after exhaustive evaluations for ear or tooth pain that wasn’t due to any direct dental or ear issue.