What are the Symptoms of TMJDs?

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A variety of symptoms may be linked to TMJDs. Pain, particularly in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint, is the most common symptom. TMJ pain is often described as a dull aching pain in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear, which comes and goes. Some people, however, report no pain, but still have problems using their jaws. Other likely symptoms include:

* radiating pain in the face, jaw, or neck,
* jaw muscle stiffness,
* limited movement or locking of the jaw,
* painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth,
* a change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together or a bite that feels "off'

Additional symptoms may include: ringing in the ears, ear pain, decreased hearing, dizziness and vision problems.

Keep in mind that occasional discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common, and is not always a cause for concern. Many people with certain TMJ problems get better without treatment. Often the problem goes away on its own in several weeks to months. However, if the pain is severe and lasts more than a few weeks, see your health care provider.

People with TMJ jaw implants are a subgroup of patients whose jaw problems led to surgery to replace all or part of the jaw joint. The devices failed in a large number of these patients who then experienced serious complications requiring further treatments and often additional surgeries. These patients have reported a variety of signs, symptoms and other medical problems, which may be related to their jaw implants and some of which may have occurred independently. The TMJ Association lists these symptoms because TMJ implant patients frequently report them.

* resorption or degeneration at the end of the jaw bone (the condyle) and the part of the skull where the jaw bone is inserted (the fossa); the mandibular, or jaw, bone described as "melting" or "soft"; skull penetration (holes in the skull)
* disfigurement or deformity of the face
* pain and dysfunction in the facial muscles
* sleep disturbance
* flu-like symptoms such as low-grade fever, malaise and fatigue
* weakness and/or diminished muscle strength
* lack of coordination
* nausea with or without vomiting
* visual disturbances, including reading problems, snow blindness, blurred vision, blindness
* memory loss, confusion, inability to think clearly
* seizures and/or blackouts
* swollen lymph nodes/glands (e.g., neck, behind ears, under arms, groin)
* abnormalities of the parotid glands (the salivary glands, located below and in front of each ear)
* abnormal thyroid function
* skin rashes, dry skin, itching, and sensitivity to the sun
* Sjögren's Syndrome (dry eyes, dry mouth and dry mucous membranes)
* changes in skin color and texture, such as hardening, thickening, or shining
* allergies or similar sensitivities to chemicals and drugs
* cold hands and feet
* intolerance to heat and/or cold
* dry, unproductive cough; chronic or episodic hoarseness
* swallowing difficulties
* chronic respiratory, urinary tract, pelvic, or gastrointestinal infections
* benign tumors or granulomas in various parts of the body (e.g., breast tumors, fibrocystic breast disease, fibroid tumors)