FAQ – What Are Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

signs-symptoms.jpg

Headaches

The international Headache Society classifies headaches related to TMJ Disorder as tension headaches characterized by dull, deep and constant aches. Headaches may occur more often in the morning or varying levels throughout the day. Morning headaches may be related to night-time tooth clenching or grinding and have been known to coexist with common sleep disorders. Increasing pain during the day may be related to the effect of gravity on neck and head posture.

Face Pain (including sinus pain)

Pain in the sides of the lower jaw, or pain felt as "sinus" pain in the check or eye areas. Missing back teeth may result in a reduction of the height of the bite. When combined with daytime clenching due to stress, this can create muscle trigger points, muscle fatigue and pain. Ill-fitting/worn dentures may have loss of vertical support for the chewing muscles and may result in muscle spasm causing facial pain, headaches, neck pain, etc. due to improper jaw function.

Eye Pain

Pain in the eyes which may accompany headaches, can be caused by a TMJ disorder. It starts as a tightness in the skull's base region that spreads to the side of the head, ultimately creating pressure and pain in the eyes area.

Ear Symptoms

Pain, stuffiness and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) may be part of TMJ Disorder syndrome. The same nerves that supply a group of chewing muscles also supply the middle ear muscles. The shape, position and size of the upper and lower teeth directly affect jaw posture, and have been known to cause ear pain, stuffiness and pressure changes in adults as well as play a role in middle ear infection in children.

Other symptoms include:

  • Dizziness

  • Throat Pain

  • Jaw Joint Noises (Clicking/Popping)

  • Jaw Joint Locking (Open/Closed)

  • Tooth Grinding/Clenching

  • Limited ability to open mouth

  • Inability to keep mouth open during dental procedures

  • Blurry Vision

Neck Pain

TMJ Disorders can result in painful movement of the jaw, and can even restrict movement of the jaw muscles depending on the severity of the condition. There are several common symptoms associated with TMJ Disorders, including headache, ear pain, blurred vision, jaw popping, jaw pain, teeth grinding, difficulty chewing and eating, difficulty swallowing and neck pain. At the Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders of Fairfield, we provide personalized treatment plans that address the specific symptoms and complications of the individual patient.

About Dr. Gloria Maczuga-Stern

Dr. Gloria Maczuga-Stern has practiced general dentistry in New York and Connecticut for 19 years. Her own personal experience with TMD led her to pursue further training for her pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. At the Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders she has been providing conservative, non-invasive treatment to patients with sleep breathing and temporomandibular joint disorders since 2008.

Dr. Stern strives to provide her patients with the highest level of care. Passionate about continuous education, she has over 2,500 hours of advanced education including orofacial pain, tmj disorders, and sleep disorder dentistry. As a result she is able to offer her patients the latest advancements in this field.

Dr. Stern received advanced training in temporomandibular disorders and sleep disorder dentistry from the Institute of TMD and Sleep Disorders and the Craniofacial Pain Center at Tufts University, and is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine as well as a Certificate holder of the of American Academy of Integrative Pain Management.

Make an Appointment