subject: What Is Tmj Disorder: A Brief Guide To Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments [print this page] TMJ disorders, or TMD (temporomandibular disorders), involve problems associated with the temporomandibular joint, or jawbone. TMD can cause pain in the jaw and mouth, leading to difficulty chewing, speaking, or opening and closing the mouth. Below, learn more about TMD, including causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment.
The Temporomandibular Joint:
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is responsible for opening ad closing the mouth and jawbone. By placing your fingers in front of your ears and opening your mouth, you can feel the TMJ at work. The joint consists of a ball, or condyle, and a socket, or glenoid fossa. Between the ball and socket is a small, fibrous disk. The TMJ is different in structure for men and women, and women are more prone to develop TMDs than men. Studies show that this may also be caused by estrogen.
Causes and Symptoms:
TMD can be caused long-term effects of conditions such as bruxism, or teeth grinding, and can also be due to short-term injuries to the jawbone. Teeth that are poorly aligned, also known as malocclusion, are a common cause of TMD. Other causes include arthritis of the jaw joint, as well as tumors of the jaw joint.
Symptoms of TMD include pain or tenderness of the jaw when speaking or chewing. This pain is often felt in front of the ear, where the joint is located. Sometimes your jaw may feel stuck when open or closed. Clicking, popping or cracking noises are symptoms of TMJ, as well as a grating sensation when opening or closing the mouth. Headaches are also a common sign of TMD, which can start at the temporomandibular joint and spread to the head or neck.
Prevention and Treatment:
TMD can often be caused by tension or stress, leading you to clench your jaw either throughout the day or while you sleep. To prevent further damage to your jaw caused by bruxism, you can try relaxing your face and jaw more and more. Relaxation therapy and working with a psychologist can help you manage stress more easily and reduce the tension you put on your jaw. Treatment for TMD varies according to the specific causes and condition, from simple lifestyle changes to more complicated treatments.
If caught in the early stages, TMDs related to sore muscles and spasms often respond to such treatment as a softer diet, physical therapy, stress reduction therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxers, occlusal guards, teeth replacement or bite adjustment. These are only temporary fixes, however, and you should go see your dentist while the issue is small, because preventative dentistry will save you money in the long run.
