TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull. The joints are flexible, allowing the jaw to move side to side and up and down when you talk, chew or yawn.
Injury to the jaw, joint, or muscles of the head and neck can cause you to experience severe pain and symptoms of TMJ disorder. Some of the common symptoms can include limited ability to open your mouth wide, a “clicking” or “popping” sound in the jaw joint, pain or tenderness in the jaw area and possilbly swelling. This can happen on one side and sometimes both sides of the face . You may also have headaches, neck aches or dizziness associated with this condition.
Consult your dentist for a complete exam if you are suffering from these symptoms.