Yes, TMJ disorder can happen suddenly and occur with a rapid onset. While the most common causes of TMJ pain develop slowly over time, like arthritis, poor posture, stress, teeth grinding, and clenching, it can also occur very suddenly, such as from an injury or surgery. In addition to this, there are severe health conditions that can cause sudden pain in the jaw, such as gum disease, and must be treated separately from TMJ problems.   It is also important to note that certain actions or movements can trigger the TMJ, causing it to flare up and lead to symptoms such as pain, cracking/popping sounds, and difficulty opening or closing the jaw.   If you are experiencing problems with your TMJ, trust the dentists at Potomac Woods Family Dental Care to help alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life. Call us today or book an appointment with our temporomandibular joint (TMJ) specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 350 Fortune Terrace, #101, Rockville, MD 20854. We serve patients from Rockville MD, Potomac MD, Bethesda MD, North Bethesda MD, North Potomac MD, Gaithersburg MD, and Derwood MD. We look forward to serving you!