What Exactly Is the TMJ?

The TMJ is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. You have one on each side of your face, right in front of your ears. It lets your mouth open and close so you can talk, eat, and yawn.

This joint is special because it does two jobs at once. It acts like a hinge when you first open your mouth. Then it slides forward so you can open wider. Most joints in your body only do one kind of movement.

The name temporomandibular comes from the two bones it joins. Temporal is the side of your skull. Mandible is the name for your lower jaw bone. Put them together and you get TMJ.

Every time you move your mouth, these two joints work as a team. They have to stay in sync or things feel off.

#drgranone #Jawpainchewing #jawpain #TMJopenache #TMJdoctornearMe