You have two jaw joints — one on each side of the face — and muscles that help them move. You use these joints and muscles for activities like talking, eating, yawning, and laughing. When you are not doing these activities, you need to allow these muscles and joints to relax. It is common, but not normal, to clench or have other jaw habits that may contribute to a TMJ disorder.

Symptoms of a TMJ disorder include:

• Pain in your jaw, face, or temples
• Pain in your teeth, ear(s), or head
• Clicking or noises in your jaw
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Pain while chewing