The cause of a TMJ disorder is often unknown, however various factors can aggravate a TMJ disorder such as:
- Missing teeth
- Grinding or clenching teeth which could be linked to stress
- TMJ fractures or dislocation
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Wrongly shaped dental fillings, crowns or bridges
TMJ disorders in different people can vary from mild to discomfort to severe pain. Symptoms of a TMJ disorder may include:
- Limited jaw movement
- Difficulty in mouth opening
- A stuck or “locked” jaw
- Clicking, grating, or popping noises from jaw joints
- Pain when chewing
- Pain in or around the ears and cheeks