You can develop jaw pain for a variety of reasons such as a traumatic injury (being hit in the jaw), having extensive dental work performed, excessive gum/ice chewing, clinching or grinding your teeth, sleeping with your hand under your cheek, or even from supporting your head with your hand under your chin while you read or study. All of these things can cause your jaw to become misaligned, putting abnormal strains on the muscles that control jaw movement. This temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can lead to joint pain and eventually TMJ syndrome.
To see if you have TMJ dysfunction just look into a mirror and open your mouth very slowly. It should move in a straight line both when opening and closing. Notice if there is any deviation to the left, right, or a zig-zag motion. Next jut your lower jaw forward by pushing your lower teeth out in front of your upper teeth. This movement should be straight forward as well. If on either of these tests your jaw moves to the left or right, you have a TMJ dysfunction. Another possible clue that you may have a TMJ dysfunction is if you notice that you bite the inside of your cheek or tongue frequently.
TMJ dysfunction is something that needs to be treated even if it is not yet causing symptoms because the longer this dysfunction continues, the more damage that can be done to the tissues that surround the jaw. This will eventually lead to pain, headaches, clicking/popping, ear pain/full feeling, dizziness, and even neck or shoulder pain.
As an extremity joint expert, Dr. Williams has developed his own technique for treating TMJ. This technique is both gentle and effective. Due to the positive results he has been able to achieve, many local dentists specifically refer their TMJ patients to him for treatment.