TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, can affect just one jaw joint or both sides at the same time. It’s not always straightforward to spot. Some people in Beverly, MA, may think it’s unrelated when pain or pressure pops up on both sides of the face. But the truth is, both sides of the jaw often share the burden when one part starts to struggle. That’s why an appointment with a TMD Dentist like Dr. Benjamin Polan can be an important step when trying to figure out what's really going on.

TMD symptoms can start off small. A little stiffness here, a faint ache there. But when it begins to affect both joints, it can grow into something that interrupts talking, chewing, and sleeping.

How the Jaw Joints Work Together

Your jaw works like a team. The left and right sides aren’t working in isolation. In fact, every time you chew or speak, both joints, the muscles around them, and your teeth all pitch in to make it happen.

If one side gets inflamed or sore, the other begins to take the load. That compensation might work for a little while, but it often wears down the stronger side. Before long, both joints feel tight, tired, or painful. That’s one reason why people sometimes don’t realize where the problem started. The discomfort doesn’t stay in one spot. It travels through both sides because the whole system is connected.

Common Signs TMD Affects Both Sides

Jaw pain can show up differently for everyone, especially when both joints are involved. Some people notice clicking or popping noises whenever they chew or speak. For others, the pain seems to shift from one side to the other and then finally sticks around on both.

Here are signs to pay attention to if you think both jaw joints might be involved:

• Clicking or popping sounds on both sides when opening or closing your mouth
• Aching that spreads across the lower face or up toward the ears
• Headaches, pressure, or general tightness in the face that doesn’t go away easily

These signs can be frustrating, especially because they may come and go. When both joints are off balance, it’s common to feel pulled in different directions, literally and figuratively.

What Happens When Only One Side is Treated

Sometimes people try to treat just the side that’s hurting the most. It makes sense at first glance. But because both sides work together, leaving one untreated can cause more problems over time.

When one jaw joint gets support and the other doesn’t, that untreated side can start working even harder to help the other side rest. That strain builds up, and before long, both sides are sore again. That’s why a full evaluation is so helpful. Dr. Benjamin Polan takes time to look at how both joints are functioning rather than focusing on just where the pain is showing up. His approach is about getting things balanced, not just patched up temporarily.

How Small Habits Can Stress Both Joints

The way we use our mouths and bodies day to day can sneak in small amounts of pressure that add up. You might not realize it, but some habits can stress out both sides of the jaw without warning.

Here are a few common ones:

• Chewing on the same side all the time, which can overload that one joint
• Slouching while using your phone or sitting at a computer, which strains the neck and jaw muscles
• Grinding or clenching during the day or in your sleep, even if you don’t notice you’re doing it

These patterns develop slowly. Dr. Benjamin Polan often talks to people who weren’t aware their jaw was under stress from actions like these. Recognizing the role that daily movement and posture play can be a big step forward.

When to Get Help from Someone Who Understands

When jaw pain keeps showing up, sticks around, or seems to be shifting from one side to the other, that’s usually the body’s way of waving a red flag. You might also notice other signs like a bite that suddenly feels different or trouble opening your mouth wide.

If any of these things sound familiar, it’s probably time to look closer:

• Pain and tightness that don’t go away
• A feeling that your jaw gets “stuck” when opening your mouth
• Noticing that your teeth don’t line up the same way they used to

Dr. Benjamin Polan looks at what’s happening on both sides of the jaw. It’s not just about calming pain down on one side. The goal is to help both joints work better together again, which often leads to smoother movement and less day-to-day discomfort.

Getting Your Jaw Back in Sync

Jaw pain that shows up on both sides isn't just a sign that something's irritated. It usually means the system isn’t working right altogether. The joints may be pushing or pulling in different ways, stressing nerves and muscles along the way.

We pay attention to the details. Is the left side tighter than the right? How do the teeth come together? Has one side started to carry more of the work? Dr. Benjamin Polan asks questions like these because that’s where real progress starts. By finding out how each joint is contributing and getting both sides aligned, people often start feeling more like themselves again.

Jaw joint problems can be tricky when both sides are involved, and it often takes a focused approach to figure out how everything fits together. We take time to look at your symptoms from every angle so small issues don’t keep turning into bigger ones. If you’ve noticed tension or discomfort that moves from one jaw joint to the other, it might be time to talk with a TMD Dentist in Beverly, MA, who understands the unique way your jaw works. At North Shores Sleep and TMJ, we’re here to help you take the next step toward lasting relief. Call us today to schedule a time with Dr. Benjamin Polan.