Where are the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) located?
The temporomandibular joints are located on each side of your cranium. The two bones that form the TMJ are the mandible (jaw) and the temporal bone of the skull. The TMJ can be found by placing your fingers in front of each ear and opening your mouth. The indentation that you feel beneath your fingers is called the temporomandibular joint.

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are among some of the most frequently used joints in the body. They allow us to speak, chew, swallow, yawn and sneeze.

What are some of the most common symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction?
Some of the more common symptoms include:

• Clicking sound or popping with opening or closing of the mouth
• Pain at rest or with opening/closing of the jaw
• Pain around the jaw joints, locking of the jaw
• Decreased ability to open the jaw (hypomobility)
• Improper or uncomfortable bite (teeth do not fit together properly)
• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Tooth sensitivity
• Dry or burning sensation in the mouth

What are some of the possible causes for TMJ dysfunction?
TMJ disorders develop for many reasons including:

• Birth/Congenital trauma

• Jaw abnormalities and poor bite (malocclusion)

• Missing teeth

• Trauma to the joint or blow to the head or jaw

• Excessive stress to the joint from grinding teeth, thumb sucking, gum chewing, fingernail biting, yawning, chewing on a pen, chewing on ice, etc.

• Whiplash injury

• Prolonged mouth and upper respiratory breathing

Dr. Alan Kaye of Dental Implant of Beverly Hills has treated many patients with TMJ and often looks for the most conservative treatments including bite guards and muscle relaxants. However, a thorough dental examination, comprehensive review of your medical history and symptoms, and possible x-rays are taken by Dr. Kaye in order to determine the proper course of treatment.

Visit our cosmetic/aesthetic dentistry office located in Beverly Hills, CA, conveniently near the West Los Angeles, Westwood, Santa Monica, and Hollywood, California (CA) areas.