Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is either a chronic inflammation or soreness associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).  The TMJ is the socket with which your mandible (jaw) pivots upon your skull.  When pathology or inflammation arises in this joint, patients can have a myriad of symptoms including chronic pain, clicking/popping upon opening or closing, and sometimes even lock jaw (trismus) can occur if the case is severe enough.  This joint is in constant motion during the day and many times does not get enough rest at night if a patient is prone to clenching and grinding.  As a result, the joint either becomes inflamed or possibly some pathology can set in causing deviation of the lower jaw during function; which again causes a worsening of the condition. Not all jaw pain is automatically TMD however, but if you are having issues during functional movements of your jaw please call our office to set up a consultation.

For more information follow the link below

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/j/jaw-pain