What Is TMD/TMJ?

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of conditions that lead to pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles responsible for jaw movement. The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the jaw to the skull.

“TMDs” refers to the disorders, while “TMJ” refers explicitly to the temporomandibular joint itself. Each person has two TMJs, one on either side of the jaw. To find your TMJ, place a finger in front of your ears on each side of your jaw, and open your mouth.

While the two acronyms often get bundled together as TMD/TMJ, they are distinct: TMJ refers to the joint itself, while TMD refers to disorders involving inflammation or misalignment of the TMJs. One way to remember the difference is that TMJ (J for joint) identifies the joint, whereas TMD (D for disorder) describes the conditions that affect it.

What Causes TMD/TMJ? What Are the Symptoms of TMD/TMJ?

TMD symptoms can result from a number of different issues with the jaw muscles or with the components of the joint itself. Some of the more common causes of TMD/TMJ can include the include:

Arthritis: Degenerative or inflammatory arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing pain and restricted movement.

Jaw Injury: Any sort of trauma to the jaw, such as a head blow or whiplash, can damage the TMJ, leading to the development of TMDs.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic clenching or grinding of your teeth can put excessive pressure on the TMJ, leading to wear and tear over time.

Misaligned Bite: A misaligned bite or malocclusion can cause uneven pressure on the jaw joint, contributing to TMD.

Stress: Too much stress and pressure in the jaw can lead to muscle tension and aggravate or trigger TMD symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of TMD/TMJ?

Symptoms of TMD/TMJ can sometimes develop slowly or be easily mistaken for other conditions. However, if symptoms persist or increase in intensity or pain, you should speak to your local Smile Design dentist immediately. Common symptoms of TMD/TMJ include:

  • Jaw pain
  • Headaches
  • Earaches
  • Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Tenderness
  • Facial pain
  • Facial swelling

Smile Design Dentistry in Lake Wales offers comprehensive TMD/TMJ treatment plans tailored to your needs.

 

 

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