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TMD and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

The jaw joint is formally known as the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. When there are problems with the jaw, this is known as TMD, which stands for temporomandibular joint disorder or temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

TMD symptoms are caused by swelling of the jaw muscles that lead to jaw joint problems. The most common symptoms of TMD include jaw popping or clicking, having a hard time opening or closing your mouth, a sore jaw, and even headaches.

TMD treatment can take many forms. Doing jaw exercises and eating soft foods can help relieve TMD pain, and pain relievers can reduce inflammation. A TMD dentist can prescribe a dental guard to wear at night to reduce teeth grinding. The most serious cases may call for TMD injections or TMD surgery.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome

A tooth that aches in the morning can result from teeth grinding during sleep. Teeth clenching can usually be treated. Are you troubled by a jaw popping or jaw clicking sensation, or jaw pain when you eat? You may be suffering from a dental problem that has nothing to do with teeth or gums. We call it TMJ disorder.

TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge attaching your jaw to your skull. Temporomandibular Joint syndrome usually means that there's a misalignment within the network of muscles, bones, and joints that make up this hinge. When your hinge isn't coming together as it should, the jawbone grates on sensitive tissues and other bones. Sometimes the pain can be intense and cause a migraine headache. Sometimes the jaw popping is merely annoying.

Regardless of pain level, you should be concerned. It's important to have a thorough evaluation, before permanent damage is done, especially since TMJ syndrome can often mimic symptoms of other medical problems (sinus infections especially) and escape identification.

Every TMJ case is unique. But your dentist probably has plenty of experience treating this common disorder. His or her response may be minor tooth reshaping, mouth splints, or possibly muscle relaxants. Sometimes a simple massage is effective to control pain. Only in rare cases is there a need for surgery to correct TMJ disorder.

If you feel you're experiencing symptoms of TMJ syndrome, please call your dentist immediately. He or she can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend corrective measures, before the problem escalates.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.