The TMJ, or temporomandibular joints, hinge your jawbone to the rest of your skull. These TMJ joints work together with a series of ligaments and muscles to help you open your mouth, chew food and speak. Each sophisticated ball and socket joint also have a small disk of cartilage to allow for the slip needed to effectively grind food. The... read more »

TMJ disorder refers to a problem with the temporomandibular joints that hinge your jaw. These sophisticated ball and socket joints work in concert with ligaments and muscles in your mouth, allowing you to open your mouth, chew food, and speak. Early symptoms of TMJ disorder include a chronic dull ache near your temples or in front of your ears. This... read more »