What is TMD? And Do You Have It?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is also called the jaw joint. It allows you to open and shut your mouth and move your jaw from side-to-side and back and forth. The jaw muscles around the TMJ help you to chew. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) describe a group of conditions that affect the TMJ and chewing muscles. People with TMD may have symptoms including headaches, ear aches, pain with chewing, pain with talking, pain with yawning, limited opening of the mouth and popping or clicking sounds with jaw movement.
TMD: The Great Imposter TMJ
Disorders can be frequently unexplained or misdiagnosed and therefore, unsuccessfully treated or left un-treated while patients are labeled as hypochondriacs and told “it’s all in your head”.
Headaches and Dental Health
Headaches are our number one pain problem in the US. Today, there is growing realization that a common cause of tension headaches is a bad bite.
TMJ and Dental Health
“TMJ Disorders” is a common term for Craniomandibular Dysfunction, a collection of symptoms, which result when the chewing muscles, jaw joints and teeth do not work together correctly.
The TMJ: A Most Unique Joint
The temporomandibular joint is the most unique joint in the whole body: it is two joints in one; its function is dictated by another structure (the teeth); and it has an articular disc located between the ball and socket.
Could you have a problem?
Research has shown that 5 – 15% of the population may suffer from a Temporomandibular Disorder. Does that include you? Not sure? Call our office for a consultation.
