How can i tell if i have temporomandibular joint disorder?

TMJ symptoms: Pain on opening and closing your jaw, joint noises such as "clicking", limitations on the amount you can open your mouth or move your jaw from side to side, jaw pain especially in front of your ear, your jaw locking open or closed, pain in your jaw on awakening are many of the most common symptoms. See your dentist for a one on one personal exam and evaluation.

TMJ: Sometimes if one has pain associated with 'clicking' of the joints or just 'clicking', best to have your bite evaluated by an orthodontist.

TMJ disorder: Temporo-mandibular disorder is the second most frequent cause of orofacial pain after dental pain. Earache, neck clicking and popping, difficulty to swallow, headache and jaw pain are common symptoms. Proper diagnosis is the key to the successful treatment. See an orofacial pain practitioner for a consultation and management of the TMJ.

Classic symptoms: Although symptoms can be extremely variable, the "classic triad" of symptoms is jaw joint pain, limited oral opening and joint noises (clicking, popping, grinding) See TMJ expert. Any dentist can be a TMJ expert with the proper training and experience. Most commonly, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and orofacial pain specialists. Ask your MD, your dentist and your dental society for referrals.