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Jaw joint

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the base of the skull and enables movements such as chewing, speaking and yawning.

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Quick version

What is the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint is a double ball-and-socket joint located on both sides of the head where the lower jaw (mandible) meets the temporal bone (os temporale). It has a complex structure with a articular disc (disk) between the joint surfaces that helps control movement and cushion pressure. The temporomandibular joint is unique in that it moves synchronously on both sides during movement and has both hinge and sliding movements.

Anatomy and structure

The temporomandibular joint consists of the mandibular condyle (condylus mandibulae), the mandibular fossa (fossa mandibularis), and a articular disc (discus articularis) between these. Around the joint are ligaments, muscles and a joint capsule that enable and control movement.

Function and movement

The temporomandibular joint allows for several movements, ranging from opening and closing the mouth, lateral movements (laterotrusion) to forward and backward displacement (protrusion and retrusion). These movements are used when you chew, talk, yawn and swallow.

Common causes of temporomandibular joint problems

Problems in the temporomandibular joint can be caused by muscle tension, bite abnormalities, teeth grinding (bruxism), joint inflammation, osteoarthritis or trauma to the jaw. Psychological stress and incorrect movement patterns are also common contributing factors.

Common conditions and diseases

Pain in the temporomandibular joint is often caused by temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis, joint dislocation (dislocation), inflammation or disc displacement. The conditions can lead to pain, noises (clicks), locking or limited opening ability.

Examination and diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, clinical examination of range of motion, pain reaction and temporomandibular joint sounds. Imaging diagnostics such as panoramic X-ray, MRI of the temporomandibular joint or CBCT can be used if structural changes or disc problems are suspected.

Relevant symptoms

  • Pain when chewing or yawning
  • Clicking or cracking noises in the temporomandibular joint
  • Locking or difficulty opening/closing the mouth
  • Tenderness in the jaw muscles
  • Headache or pain around the temple

Related conditions and diagnoses

  • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
  • Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis
  • Disc displacement in the temporomandibular joint
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)
  • Joint dislocation in temporomandibular joint

Questions and answers

The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone and enables movements such as chewing, speaking and yawning.

Pain often occurs due to tense jaw muscles, bite problems, inflammation, disc displacement or overload from teeth grinding.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a collective term for pain, clicking sounds, or movement disorders in the jaw caused by joint or muscle problems.

Problems with the temporomandibular joint or temporomandibular joints can be treated with a bite splint, relaxation exercises, physiotherapy, painkillers or, if necessary, orthodontic treatment or surgery.

Yes, stress can lead to jaw clenching or teeth grinding, which increases the risk of muscular and joint-related jaw problems.

Clicking sounds during jaw movements are often due to the disc in the temporomandibular joint temporarily slipping out of position and can be a sign of a slipped disc.

It may be a good idea to contact healthcare if you have persistent pain, difficulty opening your mouth, or clear sounds in the joint that affect function.

Jaw joint osteoarthritis is a breakdown of the cartilage in the joint that can cause pain, stiffness and limited movement, especially in the elderly.

Problems in the temporomandibular joint are diagnosed through clinical examination of jaw movements, palpation of the muscles, and sometimes X-rays or MRIs if structural damage is suspected.