TMJ

The temporomandibular joint acts as a sliding hinge that connects the jaw to the skull. You have a joint on each side of your jaw. TMJ, a type of temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD, can cause pain in the temporomandibular joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.

The exact cause of a person's TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. Your pain may be due to a combination of factors such as genetics, arthritis, or a jaw injury. Some people with jaw pain also tend to clench or grind their teeth, although many people have a habit of clenching or grinding their teeth and never develop TMJ disorders.