WatchTMJ & TMD
Jaw pain, clicking, or morning headaches? TMJ disorders explained
Waking up with a sore jaw, hearing clicks or pops when you chew, or getting frequent tension headaches? These can all be signs of a TMJ disorder (also called TMD — temporomandibular joint dysfunction). The temporomandibular joints connect your jaw to your skull, and when they're stressed or misaligned, the symptoms often show up far from the joint itself.
This video explains what happens inside the joint and why TMJ disorders can cause such a wide range of symptoms — from jaw pain and earaches to headaches, neck pain, and even disturbed sleep. Many people don't connect the dots until Dr. Brammeier points out the patterns of wear on their teeth that grinding leaves behind.
Common causes include nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, bite misalignment, and joint injury. The good news: most cases respond well to conservative TMJ treatment — a custom night guard, jaw exercises, or bite adjustment — without needing surgery. Catching TMJ disorders early prevents the more serious problems they cause over time, including cracked teeth and gum recession.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, please don't wait. At Brammeier Dental of Naperville, we evaluate your bite, check for wear patterns, and discuss treatment options tailored to the underlying cause.
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