The two hinge joints that connect the jaw to the skull in front of the ears are known as the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). When working properly, they allow your jaw to open, close, move to the left and right, and glide forward and back via muscle activation and joint movements. This allows you to perform activities such as opening our mouth, speaking, yawning, sneezing, chewing, and eating. When there is a problem with these joint and/or the surrounding tissues, then the jaw and face become painful and normal movement may be effected.
