Anatomy
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, are the two joints in front of your ears that connect your lower jaw to your skull. They let you open, close and move your jaw.
You have one TMJ on each side of your head. Together they let your jaw open, close and move when you chew or talk.
The word TMJ often gets used for jaw problems too. The correct term for those problems is TMJ disorder (TMD). Signs can include jaw pain, clicking or popping, headaches, or a jaw that feels stuck. Teeth grinding can add strain to the joints.
The joints connect to the mandible. If you have ongoing jaw symptoms, your dentist can check your bite, muscles and joints and talk with you about options.