{"id":2466,"date":"2019-04-04T20:05:32","date_gmt":"2019-04-04T20:05:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.berriendental.com\/?p=2466"},"modified":"2019-04-04T20:05:32","modified_gmt":"2019-04-04T20:05:32","slug":"tmj-disorder-teeth-grinding-stress-headaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/berriendental.com\/tmj-disorder-teeth-grinding-stress-headaches\/","title":{"rendered":"TMJ Disorder: Teeth Grinding, Stress, and Headaches"},"content":{"rendered":"

TMJ Disorder<\/span><\/h2>\n

Unless you have been diagnosed or treated for TMJ disorder, \u00a0chances are you won\u2019t know what it is, but that doesn\u2019t mean you haven\u2019t experienced it. On either side of your head, there is a temporomandibular joint, which for obvious reasons is shortened to TMJ. Simply put, this joint connects the jaw to the skull, allowing you to chew, open and close your mouth, yawn and of course, speak. It is also the reason you can move your lower jaw from side to side.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because these joints are so complex, when they are damaged in any way they can cause ear, neck and jaw pain, as well as headaches. TMJ disorder can be frustrating for the sufferer because you never know when the excruciating pain is going to strike, but also because it\u2019s one of the more difficult conditions to treat.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Causes TMJ Disorder?<\/span><\/h2>\n

TMJ disorder is a result of your jaw muscles tightening. This happens when you chew food or if you grind or clench your jaw. While there may be a pain in the jaw, it can also move to other areas of the skull causing headaches or migraines, as well as earache, shoulder pain, and even toothache. <\/span><\/p>\n

Trust us, you will know if you have TMJ disorder, but it is best not to self diagnose. Your dentist will do a thorough examination to confirm whether you do indeed have it. Other common symptoms to be aware of include:<\/span><\/p>\n