What is TMJ?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. These disorders can affect anyone, but they are most common in women and people between the ages of 20 and 40. The TMJ acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. You have one joint on each side of your jaw.

TMJ disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain or tenderness in the jaw, difficulty chewing, and a clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth.