TMJ (Temporo-mandibular Joint) Syndrome is the name for many disorders of the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles and tissues of the face. This joint connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull in front of the ear on both sides of the head. It moves every time chewing, talking, or swallowing occurs. TMJ Syndrome affects millions of people in the U.S. Most of the sufferers are women. The symptoms of TMJ Syndrome are often thought to be other things like migraine headaches, sinus trouble, ear infections, or toothaches. TMJ disorders are caused by many factors including:
* clenching or grinding teeth,
* chewing gum regularly or too many chewy foods (bagels, beef, candies, dried fruits) ,
* muscle spasms of the jaw, face, and skull,
* improper bite caused by crooked teeth or malformed jaw,
* a blow to the jaw,
* whiplash,
* muscular imbalance created by chewing constantly on one side of the mouth, or
* disease or arthritis in the joint.

The symptoms that may be related to TMJ disorders are:
* clicking, popping, grating, or grinding sounds,
* jaw joint pain while chewing,
* pain in the ear region,
* jaw locks open or closed at times,
* pain in the face and neck muscles,
* jaw stiffness or pain in motion,
* difficulty opening jaw wide,
* uncomfortable bite, and
* headaches, toothaches, earaches in addition to one or more of the above.

Try any of these self-care tips to relieve discomfort:
* chew evenly, using both sides of the mouth,
* stop clenching, gritting, or grinding teeth,
* stop chewing gum,
* avoid hard chewy foods,
* apply heating pad for a half hour at least twice daily,
* take aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen to reduce pain and muscle spasm, or
* see a dentist or orthodontist for evaluation and care.

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