The temporomandibular joints are the 2 joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. More specifically, they are the joints that slide and rotate in front of each ear. The TMJs are among the most complex joints in the body. These joints, along with a few muscles, allow the mandible to move up and down, side to side, and forward and back. When the mandible and the joints are properly aligned, actions such as chewing, talking, yawning, and swallowing, can take place smoothly and without issue. However, when these structures are not aligned several problems may occur.
While people often refer to problems with the temporomandibular joints as TMJ, that’s the name for the joints themselves and TMJ pain is a TMJ disorder and part of a larger category of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). TMD involves the temporomandibular joint or its associated structures, such as the discs, muscles, cartilage, and ligaments.
In many cases, the actual cause of TMD may not be clear. Sometimes the main cause is excessive strain on the jaw joints and the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. This strain may be a result of habitual, involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth. But trauma to the jaw, the head, or the neck may cause TMD.
The most common TMD symptoms include:
- Jaw discomfort or soreness
- Headaches
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Locking of the jaw
- Limited mouth motions
- Clenching or grinding of the teeth
Left untreated, TMD can lead to inflammation, swelling, or chronic pain. It can also contribute to progressive dental problems, such as premature tooth wear and periodontal disease.
If you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms associated with TMD, give our office a call to receive a proper diagnosis and the appropriate treatment from experienced orthodontist like Dr. McClellan.
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