What is TMD?
TMD, or "Temporomandibular disorder," refers to not one condition, but a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (the TMJ). The symptoms, often painful, arise when there is a conflict between the biting surfaces of the teeth, the muscles in the jaw, and the jaw joint. For most people, TMD causes only occasional discomfort that will subside with little or no treatment. However, for a small percentage of people, TMD causes significant, life-disturbing, long-term symptoms.
What is the temporomandibular joint?
The TMJ is the joint that joins the lower jaw (the mandible) with the temporal bone at the side of the skull. It is located just to the front of your ear, on each side of your head. The joint is lined with a slippery, rubbery tissue called cartilage, which allows the joint to glide smoothly up and down and from side to side, so you can chew, talk, and yawn without giving it a thought. To feel your TMD at work, put your index finger on the hard triangular tissue next to the front of your ear opening. P¦ ught. To feel yo芖 rront of your ear ess down as you open and close your mouth; the movement you feel is the produced by the TMJ and the surrounding muscles.
What causes TMD?
Dental professionals agree that severe injury to the jaw area is a definite cause of TMD. A facial blow can result in a fractured jaw or a damaged disc; this in turn results in a disruption of the jaw's movement, causing pain and jaw-locking. The scie ntific community is in disagreement as to the other causes of TMD. Most experts currently believe that it's a combination of behavioral, psychological and physical factors that bring on the symptoms associated with TMD.
Symptoms of TMD
You should not be alarmed by occasional, temporary discomfort in your jaw joint or chewing muscles; this is quite common and is usually not a cause for concern. However, you should call our office for an evaluation if:
- You experience a radiating pain in your face, neck or shoulders
- There is a painful grating, popping or clicking noise in your jaw joint when you open and close your mouth
- Your jaw movement is limited, or your jaw locks open
- There is a significant, sudden change in the way your upper and lower teeth come together
TMD Treatment
TMD Treatment Experts currently agree that TMD treatment should be conservative (i.e., should not invade the tissues) and reversible (i.e., should not produce permanent changes in the jaw). Moist heat or ice packs, massage, light stretching, bite splints, stress reduction and relaxation techniques, and the short-term use of muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory pain relievers (such as ibuprofen) fit both criteria, and can be very effective in r
