{"id":83,"date":"2018-09-11T11:53:59","date_gmt":"2018-09-11T11:53:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.andersondentalgahanna.com\/blog\/?p=83"},"modified":"2021-12-06T16:30:02","modified_gmt":"2021-12-06T16:30:02","slug":"dentist-in-gahanna-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.claybrookedental.com\/blog\/dentist-in-gahanna-7\/","title":{"rendered":"What is TMJ Disorder? Your Dentist in Gahanna Weighs in to Explain"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s a typical fall Saturday in Gahanna, and you\u2019re heading down Interstate 670 to Columbus to cheer on the Buckeyes. Along the way, you have a sharp pain that radiates at the hinge-point of your jaw<\/a>. You wonder, \u201cWhat\u2019s the cause of this?\u201d Your dentist in Gahanna says this could be an early warning sign of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder and explains why it shouldn\u2019t be ignored.<\/p>\n

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What is the TMJ?<\/h2>\n

The TMJ located just below your ear and acts as the hinge point for the upper and lower parts of your jaw. It\u2019s a dynamic joint that allows for vertical, horizontal and side-to-side movement. Whenever you talk, chew gum, eat food or even yawn, the TMJ is involved in facilitating the movement.<\/p>\n

What is TMJ Disorder?<\/h2>\n

The bones that interact with the TMJ joint are covered with cartilage that allow for the multi-directional movement, and they are separated by a small disk that normally makes the action smooth. Because the TMJ is constantly activated, it can become worn over time. If the disk becomes damaged, the result can be painful inflammation.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the signs of TMJ disorder to be on the lookout for:<\/p>\n