TMJhealthcare

One thing I find interesting about TMJ problems is that two people can have a clicking jaw, but their experiences can be completely different. The TMJ is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. There is a small, soft disc inside the joint that helps it move smoothly when you open and close your mouth. Sometimes, this disc moves out of its normal position. What happens next depends on whether it can move back into position when you open your mouth. In disc displacement with reduction, the disc is displaced when the mouth is closed, but as you open your mouth, it moves back into a more normal position. This movement can produce that familiar clicking sound. When you close your mouth, the disc may slip out again. That is why some people hear a click almost every time they open or close their mouth. But there is another situation: disc displacement without reduction. Here, the disc doesn’t move back into its normal position when you open your mouth. In some cases, this can restrict the movement of the jaw joint, making it difficult to open the mouth properly. This is close lock jaw condition. this can be a painful and uncomfortable condition for the patient. People may describe it as feeling like something is blocking their jaw. Eating, yawning, and even brushing their teeth can become difficult. Intermittent locking may occur as a transitional clinical presentation between disc displacement with reduction and disc displacement without reduction, although this progression is not inevitable. Patients may describe episodes in which they are temporarily unable to open their mouth fully. The jaw may feel stuck or restricted, but the patient can often regain movement and achieve fuller mouth opening with gentle manipulation or specific jaw movements. Something worth knowing is that a person who previously had clicking may notice that the click has disappeared, but their mouth no longer opens as widely as before. This can happen when the disc stops reducing, although there are other possible causes too. Does this mean that every clicking jaw will eventually lock? No. Not everyone with disc displacement develops locking., but there are possibilities. The diagnosis depends on the symptoms and clinical examination. An MRI may help assess the disc when needed, but the scan alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Treatment also depends on the individual case. I think one of the most important things to understand about TMJ problems is that clicking, pain, and restricted mouth opening are not necessarily the same problem, even though they can be related. I’m curious to know — has anyone experienced a clicking jaw for a long time and then noticed a change in their mouth opening? Did the clicking stop, or did something else happen?

Normal TMJ MRI, But Still in Pain? Here’s What Your Scan May Be Missing Have you been experiencing persistent jaw pain, headaches, facial pain, ear discomfort, or difficulty opening your mouth, only to be told that your TMJ MRI is normal? It can be frustrating. You have symptoms, but your scan seems to tell a different story. The important thing to understand is that a normal TMJ MRI does not rule out every temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Why? Because TMJ disorders are not limited to problems with the joint disc. They can also involve the muscles, surrounding tissues, and the nervous system. Let’s understand this in detail. The muscles responsible for chewing, including the masseter and temporalis, can become painful and tender. This may be associated with clenching, grinding, muscle overactivity, or other contributing factors. This condition is known as myalgia or, in certain presentations, myofascial pain. A routine TMJ MRI is not designed to diagnose myofascial pain. The muscles may appear unremarkable on imaging even when a patient has significant muscle-related pain. A clinician may need to assess muscle tenderness, jaw movements, your pain history, and whether examination reproduces your familiar symptoms. In other words, your muscles can be contributing to your jaw pain even when your MRI does not show an obvious abnormality. Fascia is connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles and other structures. Restricted movement, tenderness, or sensitivity involving the myofascial tissues may contribute to discomfort around the jaw, face, and neck. However, routine TMJ MRI is not a reliable standalone test for diagnosing fascial tightness or functional myofascial restrictions. These findings are assessed primarily through an appropriate clinical examination. Imaging may be useful when a specific structural abnormality is suspected, but it cannot measure every aspect of tissue function or pain. Not all facial pain originates from the joint or chewing muscles. Neuropathic pain can arise from dysfunction or injury involving nerves. Depending on the underlying condition, patients may describe burning, electric-shock-like pain, tingling, altered sensation, or unusual sensitivity. A routine TMJ MRI may not reveal the cause of neuropathic pain, particularly when there is no visible structural lesion in the area being scanned. A neurological and orofacial pain assessment may be needed to distinguish nerve-related pain from muscular, joint-related, dental, and other causes. A normal TMJ MRI is not a test that rules out neuropathic pain. MRI is particularly useful for evaluating the soft-tissue structures within the temporomandibular joint. Depending on the protocol and image quality, it can help assess: MRI findings must still be interpreted alongside your symptoms and clinical examination. Importantly, MRI is not the only imaging method used for every TMJ condition. For example, CT or CBCT may be more appropriate when detailed assessment of the bony structures is required. Clinical examination by the experienced hands of the TMJ specialist helps in arriving at a diagnosis which MRI and CBCT cannot assess. This is where an important distinction matters. The term TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint itself. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) refer to a group of conditions affecting the joint, chewing muscles, and related structures. There is no single MRI finding that defines every TMD. For example, muscle-related pain can be diagnosed using an appropriate history and clinical examination. Joint-related disorders may require imaging when indicated. Some patients can have more than one contributing diagnosis. Therefore, a normal MRI cannot, by itself, establish that you have no TMD. Equally, an abnormal MRI does not automatically prove that the finding is responsible for your pain. The goal is to determine which findings are clinically relevant to your symptoms. Rather than assuming that nothing is wrong, consider seeking an assessment from a clinician experienced in TMJ disorders and orofacial pain. A comprehensive evaluation may include: Treatment should follow the diagnosis. Depending on the cause, conservative approaches such as education, habit modification, jaw exercises, or appropriately selected physiotherapy may be considered. Persistent or worsening symptoms deserve reassessment, particularly if you develop new numbness, facial weakness, swelling, fever, or a sudden change in jaw function. The bottom line A normal TMJ MRI does not mean your pain is imaginary. It means that the scan has not demonstrated a particular abnormality—or that no significant abnormality was identified within the scope of that examination. Muscle-related pain, myofascial dysfunction, and neuropathic pain may require clinical assessments beyond routine TMJ imaging. The right question is not simply, “Is my MRI normal?” It is: “What is causing my pain, and has the right clinical assessment been performed to identify it?” Have you experienced persistent jaw pain despite a normal MRI? Which symptoms are you experiencing—jaw muscle pain, clicking, locking, headaches, ear discomfort, or facial pain At Dr. Goyal’s TMJ Care, Dr. Shikha Goyal, a TMJ and Oro-facial Pain Specialist in Mumbai, follows a systematic approach to diagnosing TMJ disorders. She begins with a detailed clinical examination and determines which imaging investigations, if needed, are appropriate for the patient’s symptoms. Once the diagnosis is established by correlating clinical findings with relevant investigations, an individualized treatment plan is formulated based on the underlying cause of the pain. Because effective TMJ treatment begins with the right diagnosis—not just an MRI report.

Are you dealing with constant jaw pain, persistent jaw clicking, or difficulty chewing, but delaying a visit to a specialist because you are terrified of surgery? You are not alone. Many patients believe that a diagnosis of TMJ disorder is an automatic ticket to the operating room. At Dr. Goyal’s TMJ Care, we want to free you from that fear. Surgery is rarely the first step—in fact, the vast majority of TMJ conditions respond exceptionally well to conservative, non-invasive therapies. If you are searching for effective TMJ treatment in Mumbai, here is a look at our holistic, non-surgical approach to lasting TMJ pain relief. Why Choose a Non-Surgical & Holistic Approach to TMJ Care? TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorders are rarely caused by a single issue. They are multifactorial, meaning your discomfort could stem from a combination of: Instead of just masking your symptoms or rushing into irreversible surgical procedures, our goal is to identify and address all contributing factors. Our custom treatment plans are completely non-steroidal and non-Botox based, focusing on healing, rebalancing, and long-term joint function. Our Conservative TMJ Treatment Framework Once we establish a precise diagnosis, we create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs using a combination of non-invasive therapies: 1. Advanced TMJ Appliance Therapy & Custom Orthotics We utilize specialized dental appliances tailored to your specific jaw condition, including TMJ orthotics, programmed orthotics, muscle deprogrammers, and anterior repositioning splints. 2. Targeted Myofunctional Therapy Myofunctional therapy retrains the muscles of the jaw, tongue, and face. By improving tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and jaw muscle coordination, we eliminate strain on the temporomandibular joint and restore balanced movement. 3. Myofascial Release for Muscle Strain When jaw muscles remain hyperactive, the surrounding connective tissue (fascia) becomes tight and painful. We guide patients through specialized myofascial release techniques to release deep-seated tension, increase blood flow, and relieve jaw pain without medication. 4. Natural Injections (Steroid-Free & Botox-Free) When injection therapy is indicated, we avoid steroids or Botox. Instead, we use targeted, restorative solutions: 5. TMJ Arthrocentesis (Joint Lavage) In select cases involving chronic inflammation or joint locking, we perform arthrocentesis. This simple, minimally invasive procedure gently washes out inflammatory byproduct build-up inside the joint capsule, immediately improving range of motion and reducing discomfort. 6. Lifestyle, Sleep, Breathing & Posture Correction True, lasting relief from jaw clicking and facial pain requires addressing everyday habits. We evaluate and correct: Why Give Conservative TMJ Therapy a Try First? The biggest advantage of conservative TMJ treatment in Mumbai at Dr. Goyal’s TMJ Care is that none of these therapies permanently alter your natural anatomy or joint function. Unlike surgery, which carries longer recovery times and inherent risks, non-surgical therapy is safe, reversible, and designed to work with your body’s natural mechanics. Ready to Live Free from Jaw Pain? Do not let the fear of surgery keep you from getting the expert care you deserve. If you are struggling with TMJ pain, jaw clicking, or facial tightness, schedule a comprehensive assessment with our team today. 📍 Dr. Goyal’s TMJ Care – Mumbai 💬 Have questions about your jaw symptoms? Leave a comment below or get in touch with us to book a consultation!

Could your headache be coming from your jaw? This may sound surprising to some, but your headache and jaw can be closely related. At Dr. Goyal’s TMJ Care, we see that a lot of patients suffering from TMJ-related problems visit multiple neurologists, undergo multiple brain MRIs, and try so many different medications without getting a clear diagnosis or adequate relief before they finally come to us. In such cases, the TMJ should be taken into consideration. The TMJ is located very close to the head and is closely associated with the temporalis muscle, one of the major muscles involved in the movement of the jaw. When the jaw is not functioning in proper balance, the temporalis muscle can become hyperactive. Repeated contraction and tension in this muscle can cause the surrounding fascia and tissues to become tense as well. This can result in headaches.  What does a TMJ-related headache feel like? Headaches related to your are commonly experienced in and around areas like : Some patients have reported that their headache is particularly strong when they wake up in the morning. This is another common finding in the case of TMJ Disorders. In other cases, the headache can gradually progress throughout the day. You may also experience: A headache may also occur alongside other TMJ symptoms such as: When should you get your TMJ assessed? If you have been suffering from frequent or recurrent headaches, have visited multiple neurologists, undergone investigations, and are still not getting adequate relief, your TMJ should be assessed. Dr. Shikha Goyal is an experienced TMJ specialist that will evaluate your jaw joints, chewing muscles and their function to determine whether they may be contributing to your symptoms. Your headache may be more connected to your jaw than you realize. Sometimes, the missing piece in understanding your headache may be the TMJ.

“How wide can you open your mouth?” Pretty straightforward question, right? But during a TMJ examination, the range of motion of your jaw can tell us a lot about what is happening around and inside your joint, as well as within the muscles that control it. The point is not just how many millimetres you can open. Rather, we look at how you open, how far you open, whether it hurts, whether the movement is smooth, whether the jaw deviates, whether there are sounds, and whether the movement feels restricted or excessive. So, what is considered normal? In an Indian adult, a comfortable mouth opening is generally approximately 42 mm, without pain, discomfort or significant joint sounds. What if my mouth doesn’t open enough? It is something that needs to be investigated. Reduced opening can occur for many different reasons which may or may not be related to the TMJ. If TMJ Related, it could be because of –  It could also be non-TMJ related like –   And this is where checking the way your jaw is restricted becomes important.A sudden change in opening pattern, particularly when accompanied by a history of clicking that has disappeared, can occur with disc displacement without reduction.This is one reason why a patient saying: “My jaw used to click, and now it doesn’t, but now I can’t open properly.” is clinically important. Another important question, What if the jaw opens too much? Some people have hypermobility or increased ligamentous laxity, allowing the condyle to translate excessively. In susceptible individuals, this can contribute to: SubluxationOpen-lock episodesTMJ dislocationA sensation that the jaw is “slipping out”Difficulty closing the mouth after very wide opening We want to know whether that movement is controlled and stable. The way your jaw opens matters too. If you notice, your jaw doesn’t always travel perfectly straight. During opening, we observe whether it: The direction, timing and extent of deviation can provide useful information when combined with the rest of the examination. About side-to-side movement-  Also called lateral excursion – how far your lower jaw can move to either side. About 1-2mm each side is considered normal. And we don’t look at the movement in isolation. We compare right and left movements, observe the quality of movement and assess whether the restriction is associated with pain, joint sounds or muscular tenderness. So what are we really assessing? When we measure your jaw opening, the question is not if you can open exactly 42 mm We’re asking: All of these pieces together help us understand what’s happening with the TMJ, disc, muscles, ligaments and surrounding structures. Your jaw’s range of motion isn’t just a number. It’s a window into how your jaw is functioning.

Typically, diseases do not begin with dramatic symptoms. They begin with small, unnoticable changes that we often ignore under the name of stress or work. Similarly, TMJ Disorder or TMJ Pain does not start with a locked jaw or severe pain. It starts with small, gradual changes in the way the disc, condyle and surrounding muscles are functioning together. The progression can look like this: Clicking, Headaches, jaw pain, ear pain or muscle discomfort↓Disc displacement begins↓More prominent jaw clicking and popping develops↓Disc displacement without reductionThe disc may become displaced without returning to its normal position during movement.↓Locking and restricted jaw movement↓Progressive changes within the joint↓Degenerative changes / osteoarthritis This entire process may start with symptoms that don’t seem serious enough to warrant attention. Like, a headache that comes and goes or a little jaw pain that settles on its own; or simply a painless click. Because these symptoms may not interfere with your everyday life, they are easy to dismiss. But, this is where early assessment can make a difference. If the jaw is assessed when symptoms are still mild or intermittent, we have an opportunity to understand what is happening, identify contributing factors and determine whether the condition needs active treatment or monitoring. Even when a patient presents with locking, disc displacement or degenerative changes, there are treatment options available at different stages. But the earlier a patient is diagnosed, the faster we can intervene, address the underlying factors and work towards preventing further deterioration, potentially giving us a better prognosis. So if you have been experiencing headaches or jaw pain that keep coming back, ear-area pain, jaw stiffness, or a new painless click, don’t dismiss them for being simple stress related symptoms. TMJ disorder can start with your muscles and can progress to your disc and joint related structures, all of which can be avoided by paying attention to these symptoms.  Your jaw may be giving you a warning long before it becomes a major problem.

Nervous about seeing a TMJ Specialist? Here’s what to expect at a TMJ Consultation Whenever we suspect a condition or feel the need to consult a specialist, it is natural to feel worried or anxious about what to expect. A TMJ consultation can feel the same way, especially for a new patient. So, what actually happens when you visit a TMJ specialist? Many patients arrive at our clinic with records from several specialists, including ENT specialists, neurologists, dentists, orthopaedists and others. This is not unusual. TMJ-related symptoms can overlap with many other conditions, which can sometimes make the underlying problem difficult to pinpoint. A thorough TMJ consultation therefore involves much more than simply examining the jaw. 1. Understanding Your Symptoms The consultation usually begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms. We often ask patients to document their symptoms themselves, so they can mention everything they have been experiencing without worrying about whether a particular symptom is important or related to the jaw. Symptoms may include: The duration, frequency, severity and pattern of these symptoms are also important. We want to understand not just what hurts, but when it hurts, how it behaves and what makes it better or worse. Previous treatments are also discussed. Some patients may have already tried medications, injections, steroids, Botox, night guards, physiotherapy or other treatments. Understanding what was tried, what helped and what did not can provide valuable information. 2. A Detailed Clinical Assessment A TMJ specialist is not simply checking whether your jaw joint hurts or clicks. The clinical assessment is designed to understand how your jaw functions in relation to the muscles, cervical region, posture and the rest of the musculoskeletal system, and to identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Depending on the individual patient, the assessment may include the following: Jaw Movement and Range of Motion We assess how the jaw opens, closes and moves from side to side. This may include evaluating: These observations can provide important information about the functioning of the jaw and surrounding structures. TMJ Joint Assessment The temporomandibular joints are examined for signs such as: Joint sounds are not interpreted in isolation. They are considered along with the patient’s symptoms and other clinical findings. Muscle Assessment Muscle assessment is an important part of a TMJ consultation. The muscles of the face and jaw, neck, shoulder, hands and sometimes even legs are palpated for: Assessment usually extends beyond the immediate jaw and neck region to all these other areas of the body. Many patients who have been living with chronic jaw, facial or headache symptoms do not realise how much muscle tenderness or tension is present until these areas are carefully examined. Cervical Spine and Neck Assessment The neck and cervical region can be an important part of understanding a patient’s presentation. We may assess: This does not mean that every neck problem is caused by a TMJ disorder. Rather, the cervical region is assessed because jaw, head and neck function can interact, and relevant findings may need to be considered when developing an individual treatment plan. Shoulder Alignment and Postural Assessment We may also examine shoulder alignment and overall posture. This can include observing: Posture is considered as one of the major contributing factors for TMD. Assessment of the Bite and Occlusion The relationship between the upper and lower teeth is also examined. Depending on the individual case, this may include assessment of: The bite is considered together with the patient’s symptoms, joint findings and muscle function rather than being assessed as an isolated factor. Assessment Beyond the Jaw A comprehensive TMJ assessment extends beyond the jaw, face and neck. This is because the TMJ is connected from your head to toe. The purpose is to identify physical factors that may be relevant to the individual patient’s symptoms. This is one of the important differences between simply having the jaw examined and undergoing a comprehensive TMJ consultation. 3. Understanding Your Medical and Treatment History A detailed history is essential for reaching an appropriate diagnosis. Previous consultation records, scans, X-rays, medications, procedures and treatments can help us understand how your condition has progressed. If you have had previous imaging, it is helpful to bring the scans and reports to your appointment. They allow us to correlate what is seen on imaging with what we find clinically. Previous diagnoses are also considered in context. A patient may have seen several specialists because symptoms such as facial pain, headache, ear discomfort or neck pain can have multiple possible causes. Your Previous Treatment Response Matters We also want to know what you have already tried. For example: These details can help us understand the pattern of your condition and avoid simply repeating treatments that have not been useful. 4. Understanding Your Lifestyle and Daily Activities Your symptoms do not occur in isolation from your daily life. We may ask about your: For example, someone who spends long hours working at a desk may have a very different set of contributing factors from someone whose work involves prolonged speaking, heavy physical activity or repetitive movements. Understanding these details helps us look beyond the symptom itself. 5. Understanding Stress and Emotional Factors Stress, emotional strain and the way a person responds to stress can influence muscle activity, clenching, sleep and pain perception. For this reason, we may ask about: This is not about suggesting that the pain is “just stress” or that the symptoms are psychological. The symptoms are real. The purpose of asking these questions is to understand whether stress, sleep, muscle activity or lifestyle changes may be contributing to the patient’s overall presentation and whether they need to be considered as part of treatment. 6. Understanding the Patient’s Emotional State Living with chronic pain or unexplained symptoms can itself be stressful. Patients who have been experiencing jaw pain, headaches, facial pain, ear symptoms or difficulty eating for a long time may understandably feel anxious, frustrated or overwhelmed. Understanding how the patient is coping with their symptoms

Another one of the most common questions we get asked both at Dr. Goyal’s TMJ Care as well from people reaching out online after being diagnosed with a TMJ disorder: “Will I ever get better?” “Will my quality of life improve?” “Will I be able to get rid of this pain and discomfort?” “Will I ever feel like myself again?” The answer is: Yes, TMJ Pain disorders can improve, and your quality of life can improve significantly. But there is an important part of the equation that is often overlooked: The goal should not be to simply treat the pain. It is to understand why the problem is happening in the first place. TMD (temporomandibular disorder) can have several contributing factors. Therefore, getting an accurate diagnosis, identifying the underlying causes, and creating an individualized treatment plan are extremely important. With appropriate management, our patients experience: – Significant reduction in jaw and facial pain – Improved mouth opening and jaw function – Reduction in troublesome clicking or other joint symptoms – Less muscle fatigue and tension – Improved chewing and daily comfort – Better sleep and overall wellbeing – Greater confidence in returning to normal activities For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of treating TMD is seeing how improvements in jaw symptoms can translate into improvements in a person’s everyday life. I have treated patients who had become unable to continue working because of debilitating pain and dysfunction and were eventually able to return to their jobs. I have also seen students who struggled to concentrate because of persistent pain regain their confidence, continue their education, and move forward with their lives. And then there are the mothers and homemakers who tell us that they are no longer constantly irritable or exhausted because they are not living with persistent pain every day. Some have even told us that their families notice the difference — they are happier, more relaxed, and more present with their children. These changes are incredibly meaningful because successful TMJ treatment is not just about increasing mouth opening or reducing a clicking sound. It is about helping a person get back to living their life. Does TMJ always require surgery? No. Many TMD conditions can be managed with non-surgical approaches. The appropriate treatment depends on the diagnosis and the individual patient. A holistic approach is often important because the jaw does not function in isolation, rather factors like muscles, habits, posture, sleep, stress, and other factors may all contribute to the patient’s experience. TMJ Specialist in Mumbai, Dr. Shikha Goyal, at Dr. Goyal’s TMJ Care we have seen a high rate of successful outcomes with non-surgical TMJ management. We have a high success rate, in the patients we manage, although outcomes naturally vary depending on the condition, severity, and individual patient factors. I believe one of the most important steps is therefore not simply finding a TMJ doctor, but finding a clinician who will: 1. Listen to your symptoms 2. Make an accurate diagnosis 3. Look for the underlying causes and contributing factors 4. Explain the treatment options clearly 5. Treat the person as a whole — not just the painful joint So, if you have recently been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder and you’re wondering whether your life will ever feel normal again, don’t lose hope. TMD can be complex, and recovery may take time, but improvement is possible. The objective should always be more than simply reducing pain. It should be to help you regain function, confidence, and quality of life.

Braces and TMJ disorder, how they are related and how one affects the other is a very commonly asked question. In fact, we’ve seen plenty of people complain that their jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or limited mouth opening started or got worse after getting braces. So, can braces actually make TMD worse? When we talk about the co-relation between TMJ Disorder and braces, usually the culprit is the undiagnosed TMJ disorder already present at the time of the consultation with the dentist or orthodontist. It could either be because the doctor didn’t feel the need to check the TMJ or that the patient did not reveal their TMJ related symptoms beforehand; that a TMJ Disorder can get aggravated during or after the braces treatment. Braces change your occlusal or biting forces which in turn causes a change in the load on your joint. Now, if muscles were already not working in harmony in the first place, it becomes even more difficult for them to bear any changes occurring on the joint.  Braces are not a solution for TMJ problems. If you have an imbalanced bite, condylar hyperplasia, the first line of treatment is to realign your jaw in the right position; achieve a proper jaw joint position with TMJ treatment. Similarly, aligners do not work for TMJ disorder. If you’re a dentist or an orthodontist initiating braces or aligner therapy with a patient, it’s always best to check for jaw balance and muscular forces before you start the treatment and inform the patient beforehand so as to avoid any issues at a later stage.   Things like changes in how the teeth contact, altered chewing patterns, muscle fatigue, or simply the normal fluctuations of TMD could potentially make symptoms more noticeable during treatment. As a patient, it is just as much your responsibility to inform the doctor about your preexisting condition as it is for the doctor to take a note of it.

Common TMJ Terms that may be Confusing you The TMJ in itself is such a complex concept that while some are only now learning about the joint, others may have gotten themselves well versed with the terms related to it. If you’re new here and feeling overwhelmed with all the complex terminology related to it, let us rescue you. Before we understand the terms used around it, here is what you need to understand around the term. TMJ – The temporomandibular joint or the TM Joint is the jaw joint that connects your jaw to the skull. Here are some of the terms commonly used in the world of TMJ :  TMD – It is the disorder of the TMJ. A lot of people wrongly use the words TMJ and TMD interchangeably. However, it is important to note that TMJ is the joint and TMD is its disorder.  Disc displacement –There’s a small cushion of cartilage present in your jaw joint called the disc.Sometimes it moves out of its usual position.Think: a tiny cushion that has slipped slightly out of place.It may cause clicking, popping, or sometimes no symptoms at all. Clicking – This is a sound often heard from the TMJ on routine movements like opening, closing or lateral jaw movements. It indicates that the cartilage or the disc in the joint is not coordinating with the movement of the joint or is out of place. Regardless if it is accompanied by pain or not, a clicking or popping sound from the joint should never be ignored.  Crepitus – A crunchy, grating, sandpaper-like sound/feeling when you open or close your mouth. It indicates degeneration of the bone because of friction caused by bone rubbing against the bone. Bruxism – The dental term for clenching or grinding your teeth, often without realizing you’re doing it. This causes your jaw to be working overtime.Basically: your teeth are clocking in for a shift they weren’t asked to do. Myofascial pain – Pain that is mainly rooted in the muscles around your jaw, rather than the joint itself. Your chewing muscles can become sore, tight, tender, or tired, sometimes even causing pain around your temples or face. Sort of like a workout your jaw muscles didn’t consent to. Locking – When your jaw gets stuck and doesn’t move normally.If it won’t open properly it is called a closed lock and if it gets stuck open, we call it an open lock. Osteoarthritis – degenerative changes in the jaw joint that can make it painful, stiff, or crunchy. While these aren’t the only terms that we use on the daily, they sum up a lot of the issues that patients often face and talk about usually. If you’ve been experiencing any of these, it’s best to get a consultation with a specialist in your area at the earliest.