Many people can be affected by TMJ without realizing it. This common condition, caused by inflammation in the soft joints of your jaw, can cause headaches, chronic pain in your face and mouth, trouble breathing or chewing, and difficulty opening your mouth.
TMJ can be caused by many factors, including stress, misaligned teeth or clenching teeth, chewing gum, or anything else that puts stress on the joints of your jaw. Treatment involves finding the source of the stress and also treating the inflammation to reduce the symptoms. Patients have found relief through oral appliances, medication, stretches, physiotherapy, orthodontic treatment and massage.
