If you've been experiencing problems with your jaw, and you haven't sustained any recent injuries, you should consult with your dentist. You may be suffering from a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ. TMJ can cause you to experience pain and discomfort in your jaw. Here are just a few of the symptoms that are most often associated with TMJ. 

Unexplained Jaw or Neck Pain

Problems with TMJ disorder can cause pain and discomfort in your neck and jaw. This is caused by an increase of pressure in your jaw whenever you move your mouth. Pain associated with TMJ can move from your neck and jaw down through your shoulders to your back. If you've been experiencing unexplained pain and discomfort in these areas of your body, you may be suffering from TMJ. Be sure to consult with your dentist.

Unusual Sounds When You Move Your Jaw

TMJ can also lead to unusual sounds, such as clicking or popping, when you move your jaw. These sounds can increase in intensity as the disorder progresses. If you've developed popping or clicking when you move your mouth, you may be suffering from TMJ.

Discomfort When Opening or Closing Your Mouth

A normal jaw should be able to open and close without difficulty or discomfort. If you've noticed that you can no longer open or close your mouth without experiencing pain or discomfort, you should talk to your dentist. This is particularly true, it becomes difficult to eat, or the pain becomes unmanageable.

Nocturnal Teeth Grinding

Nocturnal teeth grinding is a common sign of TMJ disorder. Unfortunately, you might not even know if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw while you sleep. One way to find out if you have these symptoms is to ask someone who is familiar with your sleep patterns, including a partner, roommate or parent. Another way to determine if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw while you sleep is to monitor how you feel when you wake up in the morning. If you feel discomfort in your jaw upon waking on a regular basis, you may be experiencing TMJ-related teeth grinding or jaw clenching.

Temporomandibular jaw disorder, or TMJ, can cause problems in your neck, jaw and shoulders. If you're suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, you should discuss them with your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to provide you with a treatment plan that will alleviate the discomfort you're experiencing. Contact a dental practice, such as the Dentalcare Associates, for more information.