WatchTMJ & TMD

TMJ disorders explained: jaw pain, clicking, and morning headaches

A sore jaw first thing in the morning, clicks or pops when you chew, frequent tension headaches: any of these can point to a TMJ disorder (also called TMD, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction). The temporomandibular joints connect your jaw to your skull, and once they're stressed or misaligned, the symptoms often surface far from the joint itself.

Inside the joint is where this video begins, explaining why TMJ disorders can cause such a wide range of symptoms, from jaw pain and earaches to headaches, neck pain, and even disturbed sleep. Plenty of people never connect the dots until Dr. Brammeier points out the patterns of wear on their teeth that grinding leaves behind.

Nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, bite misalignment, and joint injury are among the common causes. The good news is that most cases respond well to conservative TMJ treatment such as a custom night guard, jaw exercises, or bite adjustment, none of which require surgery. Catching TMJ disorders early prevents the more serious problems they cause over time, including cracked teeth and gum recession.

Don't wait if any of these symptoms sound like you. At Brammeier Dental of Naperville, we evaluate your bite, check for wear patterns, and discuss treatment options tailored to the underlying cause.

Read the video transcript