The average person swallows 2,000 times per day, causing the upper and lower teeth to come together and push against the skull. For those who have a poorly aligned bite or missing teeth, health related problems such as frequent headaches or sleep disorders can be more pronounced. As the jaw muscles work harder to bring the teeth together, the surrounding jaw muscles are strained, leading to TMJ disorder. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from TMJ disorder, a painful condition that is often mistaken for recurring headaches.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

One of the most common jaw disorders is related to a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The temporomandibular joints are the points at which the lower jaw attaches to the skull and are among the most complex joints in the human anatomy. If your jaw clicks or pops, this could be a sign of TMJ disorder. Joint sounds are one of the most recognized signs of TMJ disorders. Symptoms include:

*Clicking and/or difficulty when opening and closing your mouth
*Neck and/or shoulder pain
*Frequent headaches
*Sensitive teeth when no dental problems can be found
*Earaches without an infection
*Jaw pain or stiff jaw when chewing, biting, eating or yawning

Between five and ten percent of Americans suffer from TMJ symptoms that require some form of treatment.

Causes Of TMJ Disorders

Though trauma to the jaw or jaw joint may sometimes play a role in TMJ disorder, in most instances the cause is unknown. The most common factor is a bite problem that affects the bite itself. Interferences in the structure of individual teeth may force the lower jaw to become displaced. This leads to the repositioning of the muscles out of their sockets to force the upper and lower teeth to fit together.

Pain May Be Caused By Stress

It is important for you to take a deep breath and remain calm when performing stressful tasks. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, when a situation causes stress, many people grind or clench their teeth, leading to TMJ disorder.

When you experience a stressful situation, you may exhibit symptoms such as tightened jaw muscles without realizing it. Prolonged grinding or clenching of your teeth while stressed can cause soreness of the jaw, as well as partial or full locking of the jaw. In addition, you may exhibit clicking in the jaw area, earaches that are not caused by infections and pain surrounding your temples.

You need to talk to your Evansville dentist if your jaw hurts or you are experiencing other symptoms. Talk to your dentist today to learn more or to schedule an appointment. He or she will be able to provide you effective treatment or more information to help you get the knowledge you need.