Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

What are the temporomandibular joints (TMJ)?

Simply stated, the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull. More specifically, they are the joints that slide and rotate in front of each ear, and consist of the mandible (the lower jaw) and the temporal bone (the side and base of the skull). When the mandible and the joints are properly aligned, a smooth muscle action, such as chewing, can take place. When these components are not aligned, nor synchronized in movement, several problems may occur.

What is temporomandibular disorder (TMD)?

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and/or the nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Any problem that prevents the complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony may result in temporomandibular disorder.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), classify the categories of TMD by the following criteria:

• myofascial pain - the most common form of TMD, which is discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw function and the neck and shoulder muscles.
• internal derangement of the joint - meaning a dislocated jaw or displaced disc, or injury to the condyle (the rounded edges of the jaw).
• degenerative joint disease - such as osteoporosis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint.

A person can have one or more of these conditions at the same time.

What causes TMD?

Most oral health professionals will agree that the primary cause of this disorder is excessive strain on the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. This strain may be a result of bruxism (incessant clenching of the teeth), or from physical or mental stress. These factors may be the cause, in most cases, or may aggravate an existing condition of TMD.

What are the symptoms of TMD?

The following are the most common symptoms of TMD. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• jaw discomfort or soreness (often most prevalent in the morning or late afternoon)
• headaches
• pain radiating behind the eyes, in the face, shoulder, neck, and/or back
• earaches or ringing in the ears (not caused by an infection of the inner ear canal)
• clicking or popping of the jaw
• locking of the jaw
• mouth motions are limited
• clenching or grinding of the teeth
• dizziness
• sensitivity of the teeth without the presence of an oral health disease
• numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers

The symptoms of TMD may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a dentist or your physician for a diagnosis.

Treatment for TMD:

Specific treatment for TMD will be determined by your physician or dentist based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

• resting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
• medication and/or pain relievers
• relaxation techniques and stress management
• behavior modification (to reduce or eliminate the clenching of the teeth)
• physical therapy
• an orthopaedic appliance or mouthguard worn in the mouth (to reduce bruxism)
• posture training
• diet modification (to rest the jaw muscles)
• ice and hot packs
• surgery

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