Common Jaw Disorders and Symptoms

The jaw is an intricate and vital part of the oral and facial structure, and it can be affected by a variety of diseases and conditions. Some of the most common diseases that affect the jaw include:

Bruxism: A condition characterized by the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, which can lead to jaw pain and tooth damage.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: A group of conditions that affect the joints connecting the jaw to the skull, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.

Orofacial Pain: A broad term used to describe pain in the face, jaw, and oral structures, which can be caused by a variety of conditions such as myofascial pain or fibromyalgia.

Symptoms of these conditions may include pain or tenderness of the jaw, aching in and around the ear, difficulty chewing, facial pain, and clunking or clicking sounds when opening or closing the mouth. In some cases, the jaw may become locked open and will not close without assistance.

Fortunately, there are non-surgical options available to realign a misaligned jaw, especially in mild cases. These include metal braces or clear aligners to move teeth into the correct position and correct the bite. A dentist may also change the size of teeth to improve a bite.