Understanding TMJ | Murray Dental Group
On both sides of your face, your jaw connects to the rest of the skull with the help of the powerful temporomandibular joint. That’s a mouthful, so most people simply call it the TMJ. You need your TMJ to give you a strong bite strength and to move your lower jaw in different directions for clear speech. Unfortunately, the joint is at risk of soreness, tightness, and overall wear when you develop a habit of clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth. The majority of people who experience these issues repeat them at night, making it hard to consciously control the action. Seeking out the right TMJ treatment from your dentist can solve pain problems and prevent long-term damage from occurring to this important joint.