Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

What is the Temporomandibular Joint?

• The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint that slides and rotates just in front of your ear, consisting of the temporal bone (side and base of the skull) and the mandible (lower jaw)
• Mastication (chewing) muscles connect the lower jaw to the skull, allowing you to move your jaw forward, sideways, and open and close
• The joint works properly when the lower jaw and its joint (both the right and left) are synchronized during movement
• Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) may occur when the jaw twists during opening, closing or side-motion movements
• These movements affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control chewing

What is Temporomandibular Disorder?

• TMD describes a variety of conditions that affect jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain
• Symptoms may occur on one or both sides of the face, head or jaw, or develop after an injury
• TMD affects more than twice as many women than men and is the most common non-dental related chronic orofacial pain

What causes TMD?

• Normal function for this muscle group includes chewing, swallowing, and communication
• Most experts suggest that certain tasks, either mental or physical, cause or aggravate
• TMD, such as strenuous physical tasks or stressful situations
• Most discomfort is caused from overuse of the muscles, specifically clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism)
• These excessive habits tire the jaw muscles and lead to discomfort, such as headaches or neck pain
• Additionally, abnormal function can lead to worn or sensitive teeth, traumatized soft tissues, muscle soreness, jaw discomfort when eating, and temporal (side) headaches

What are the symptoms of TMD?

• An earache without an infection
• Jaw pain or soreness that is more prevalent in the morning or late afternoon
• Jaw pain when you chew, bite or yawn
• Clicking when opening and closing your mouth
• Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
• Locked or stiff jaw when you talk, yawn or eat
• Sensitive teeth when no dental problems can be found

What can I do to treat TMD?

• The majority of cases can be treated by unloading (resting) the joint, taking a non-aspirin pain reliever and practicing stress management and relaxation techniques
• Most treatment for TMD is simple, often can be done at home, and does not need surgery
• For example, control clenching or grinding during the day by sticking your tongue between your teeth
• If you still experience pain, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night, so see your dentist for a nighttime mouth guard
• Most people will experience relief with minor treatment
• More severe cases may be treated with physical therapy, ice and hot packs, posture training and orthopedic appliance therapy (splint)
• Eating soft foods and avoiding chewing gum also help relax the muscles

Is TMD permanent?

• The condition is often cyclical and may recur during times of stress, good or bad
• You should be active in your treatment by being aware of the causes of your jaw problems after seeing a dentist for a diagnosis regime
• Make routine dental appointments so your doctor can check TMD on a regular basis

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

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