Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD), are a common subgroup or orofacial pain disorders, often incorrectly referred to as TMJ.  There are two basic types of TMD: muscle pain and jaw joint generated pain.

It is still not clear what causes TMD, however we do know that it involves more than one symptom.  It is unusual that TMD is caused by one event.  TMD is believed to result from several factors acting together.  These include injuries of the jaw and diseases of the jaw joint such as arthritis.  Tooth clenching/grinding (bruxism), difficulty sleeping, head/neck muscle tension and emotional stress may be contributing factors in developing TMJ disorders.  Identifying and controlling these factors should reduce and manage TMD.