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Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ) and Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
The TM joints are complex - made of jaw bones and muscles. Along with ligaments,
a cushioning disk, and other connective tissue, these bones and muscles allow you
to perform the wide range of movements necessary to talk, chew, yawn, and make many
facial expressions.
When a problem occurs with either the joints or the muscles, the increased wear and
tear on the joints can lead to several conditions. TMD is the term used to collectively
describe these conditions.
Millions of adults and children are affected by TMD. We have been diagnosing and
treating TMJ/TMD in our office for more than ten years. Many times, we can detect
that the disorder is present even before a person experiences discomfort, pain or noise.
What causes TMJ/TMD?
- Symptoms may appear gradually with no specific cause.
- Trauma such as an accident or blow to the face may precipitate the disorder.
- Repeated activities such as teeth clenching, nail biting, or excessive gum chewing may be involved.
Does stress cause TMJ/TMD?
- Stress by itself does not cause TMJ/TMD, but the way a person deals with stress may bring it on.
- When there is an underlying physical reason for the possibility of TMD, stress may play a part in the appearance of the disorder.
What are some common symptoms of TMJ/TMD?
- Facial pain and headaches
- Limited movement of the lower jaw and tiredness of the facial muscles
- Clicking and crackling noises when chewing
- Clogged or muffled ears
- Difficulty with chewing and biting
What treatment is available for TMJ/TMD?
- A thorough analysis of the problem will rule out systemic diseases and abnormalities.
- The disease can be managed and treated conservatively with exercise, splint therapy, rest and medication.
- Studies show that after treatment, 60 - 90% of TMD sufferers report that they are symptom free or have greatly reduced symptoms.
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