Do you have any discomfort or tension in your Jaw , Do you wake up having a headache or feeling that your face muscles are tensed ? Do you notice yourself grinding or biting on your teeth at night ?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the name given the joint where the two jaws meet. A disorder of this joint is called TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) characterized by pain and discomfort in the region. The Temporomandibular Joint connects the lower jaw to the upper jaw on both sides of the face.

Symptoms of TMD:

• pain in or around the ear
• 
• headaches and neck aches
• tenderness of the jaw or jaw muscles
• jaw pain or soreness that is more prevalent in the morning or late afternoon
• jaw pain when chewing, biting or yawning
• difficulty opening and closing the mouth
• clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth
• sensitive teeth when no other dental problems can be found

Causes of TMD:  

• Arthritis ( infection of the Joint )
• Improper bite (how teeth fit together)
• Jaw dislocation or injury

Stress and TMD

Stress is thought to be a factor in TMD. Even strenuous physical tasks, such as lifting a heavy object or stressful situations, can aggravate TMD by causing overuse of jaw muscles, specifically clenching or grinding teeth (also known as bruxism).

Bruxism( grinding ) :  

Bruxism is the condition of those who bite down or grind their jaws due to the stress or discomfort. Some bite and grind while they are awake, whilst others do so when sleeping. These habits generally put a strain on the TMJ causing tension, and stress leading to other conditions in the region as well. Continuous teeth grinding without proper intervention lead to severe headaches, migraines, ear, and neck pains and tooth wear.

Treatment:

Modify the pain. This can mean resting the joint, taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or a muscle relaxant, or applying moist heat to the painful areas.

Practice relaxation techniques. Biofeedback or relaxation training may help to manage stress. Your dentist may prescribe a nightguard to prevent your teeth from grinding during sleep.

Fix poorly aligned teeth. Your dentist may suggest some adjustment, including orthodontic treatment, to correct teeth alignment.