Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
What is TMD?
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occurs when there are problems of the temporomandibular joint, (jaw joint), imbalances of the muscles of mastication (chewing muscles) or when the muscles and joints do not work together correctly.
What are the causes of TMD?
Injuries to the head, neck and jaw, improperly aligned teeth and some diseases may contribute to TMD. In addition, oral habits such as clenching or grinding teeth can tire the muscles and cause them to spasm, resulting in muscle tenderness and pain.
Signs and symptoms of TMD?
The most common initial symptom of TMD is pain in or around the jaw joint often radiating to the ear and face. Other signs include: limited jaw movement, joint sounds (clicking, popping, or grating) and jaws that get stuck or painfully lock when one chews, yawns or opens wide.
What to do if you think you have TMD?
Visit your family dentist for a consultation and diagnostic test. The dentist can determine if you have TMD and may refer you to physician or dentist who specializes in TMD treatment. While this might seem time-consuming, it can save time and money in the long run by ensuring appropriate care for your problem.
Can anything be done to relieve TMD symptoms?
Common methods of treating TMD include:
- Avoiding gum chewing and teeth clenching
- Eating soft foods
- Avoiding opening wide by eating smaller bites of food and controlling yawns
- Maintaining good posture and eating nutritional foods to promote joint and muscle healing
- Holding the telephone, instead of cradling it.
- Eliminating spasms and pain by administering occlusal appliances, moist heat and medicines
- Counseling, stress reduction or biofeedback/relaxation training,
- Correcting teeth alignment and in severe cases, surgery
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