Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition of the jaw that affects an estimated 10 million Americans. TMJ disorder is often characterized by clicking or popping noises, as well as soreness and stiffness when opening and closing the mouth. Other common symptoms include:

• Ringing of the ears (tinnitus);
• Dizzy spells;
• Earaches (without infection);
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Difficulty speaking;
• Headaches (there may be a significant causal link between TMJ disorder and chronic headache cases);
• Chronic pain or tenderness of the muscles around the ear, neck, face, upper back, and shoulders;
• Worn teeth;
• Twitching of the face or eye muscles;
• Postural breakdown;
• Difficulty sleeping;
• Sensitivity to light and noise; and
• Bruxism (teeth grinding).

“Because a lot of the symptoms are general in nature, many people suffer from TMJ and don’t even know it,” says Joseph Sweere, DC, a professor at Northwestern Health Sciences University. “But symptoms should not be ignored because cartilage on the discs (that protect the joint) will wear through over time, which can lead to degenerative arthritis.”

Certain factors can make people more prone to TMJ disorder. Dr. Sweere notes the following:

• Having One Dominant Chewing Side: “If you have had teeth removed on one side of your mouth, you tend to chew on the opposite side,” says Dr. Sweere. “This creates inadequate vertical support which can cause a muscle imbalance or asymmetry in the jaw.” Because gum chewers generally chew on one side, Dr. Sweere advises against chewing gum.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Many people grind their teeth when they sleep. Other people tend to clench their teeth during stressful situations. Both situations put unnecessary stress on the jaw.
• Whiplash Injury to Neck: Accidents involving air bag deployment can especially cause TMJ disorder because of the relation of bones in the upper neck to the bones of the skull and jaw.
• Dental Orthodontia: “When teeth are straightened, orthodontists may remove a few teeth – generally the bicuspids,” says Dr. Sweere. “This may stunt or retard the growth of jaw bones and muscles and cause imbalances or disruptions of normal jaw function.”
• Dr. Sweere suggests asking your dentist to use an internal splint or appliance in place of removing teeth.
• Dentures: Having worn-down dentures or ones that do not fit properly can cause jaw imbalance.
• Repetitive Chewing: Consistent gum chewing or tendency to eat other chewy foods (such as taffy, bagels and beef jerky) can weaken jaw muscles.
• Heavy Telephone Use: Using the phone for long periods of time, while cradling the phone between the chin and shoulder, can cause jaw pain.

Sources: Cells Tissues Organs 180: 2005; American Academy of Pain Management; Joseph, J. Sweere, DC, Golden Rules for Vibrant Health in Body, Mind and Spirit (2004), Basic Health Publications, Inc.