What is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is located beneath the ear and connects each side of your skull to your lower jaw. These two joints allow your mouth to open and jaw to move in several directions. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to chew, speak, smile, or even laugh.
If you develop any issues with the TMJ, it’s likely that you’re suffering from a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD causes pain and stiffness in your jaw, along with several other health complications. In some cases, TMD can also be characterized as a sleep disorder by varying degrees of tooth clenching that occurs during a person’s sleep.