The TMJs, or the temporomandibular joints, sit just in front of your ears and form the “hinge” for your jaw. When this joint is functioning properly, it allows us to move our jaw up and down and side to side with relative ease. Unfortunately, when the TMJs become inflamed or stuck, they can cause pain in the area. This pain can be felt when you open your mouth wide or even when you laugh. Laughing should only involve joy and positivity!
And having temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, is definitely not fun or something to laugh about. This condition can be seriously painful and negatively impact your quality of life.
The symptoms of TMD can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Common signs include clicking or popping noises when opening and closing your mouth, difficulty chewing food, headaches, neck aches, earaches and facial tenderness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms along with jaw pain while laughing or talking, it is likely that you have TMJ disorder. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you may have TMD as there are treatments available that can help reduce the inflammation and improve mobility in the joint.
The common signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include:
None of this sounds like much fun, right? We didn’t think so.
TMD can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, trauma to the jaw, arthritis and teeth grinding. It is important to note that TMD is not always caused by one single factor. In some cases, it can be a combination of several different factors that lead to the condition.
A common factor is bite misalignment.
When the teeth are not properly aligned, it can cause excessive strain on the jaw joint. This can lead to inflammation and pain in the area. Additionally, if you have a habit of grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, this can also put extra stress on the TMJs and cause them to become inflamed.
In order to properly diagnose and treat TMJ disorder, it is important to visit your dentist or doctor. These medical professionals will be able to assess your symptoms and provide you with the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
In conclusion, if you are experiencing jaw pain when laughing or talking, it is likely that you have TMJ disorder. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to properly diagnose and treat the condition. There are a variety of treatments available that can help reduce pain and inflammation and improve mobility in the joint.
TMD can affect people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. It is estimated that around 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorder. Women are more likely to experience TMD than men, and it is most common in people between the ages of 20 and 40. However, anyone can develop TMD at any age.
It is important to note that there are certain risk factors associated with TMJ disorder. These include genetics, trauma to the jaw, arthritis and teeth grinding. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to properly diagnose and treat the condition.
Below are some exercises that can help reduce jaw pain:
If you or someone you know is experiencing any symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, as stated above, contact us for relief today. Start laughing without refrain again!