TMJ/TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a chronic degenerative disease affecting millions of people. The term is used to describe a wide range of related symptoms including headaches , facial pain , jaw pain , sensitive chipped and worn teeth, clicking or popping in the jaw , and limited jaw movement .

People who suffer from TMJ/TMD have an imbalance in the jaw-to-skull relationship, which is caused by a bad bite (malocclusion).

People suffering from TMJ/TMD often report chronic pain in the jaw, teeth, face, head, neck, shoulders, or back, or any combination of these areas. Snoring, grinding of teeth, frequent ear infections and restricted airway are other problems associated with TMJ/TMD .

TMJ stands for "temporomandibular joint ", or jaw joint . These are the small joints in front of each ear that attach the lower jaw to the skull, and happen to be the most complex joints in the entire body. The area of the face where the TMJ is located is an intricate network of bones, including the teeth, muscles, and nerves. Because of this, dysfunction of these joints affects many areas of the body, from the top of the head (migraine-like headaches) to numbness or tingling in the arms and pain in the neck or shoulders .

What Causes TMJ / TMD?
In most cases, TMJ/TMD stems from a condition called malocclusion , which means having an "incorrect bite". Malocclusion means that your upper and lower teeth do not close together in the correct way - they are misaligned . This can occur naturally, or as a result of an accident or trauma.

When the teeth are misaligned , they cannot correctly support your facial muscles during chewing and swallowing. The muscles change to accommodate your malocclusion, causing a range of debilitating symptoms.

Although a person's teeth may appear to be straight, is the occlusal relationship (biting pattern) that can cause TMJ/TMD. This condition AND the symptoms can continue despite extensive orthodontic treatment.

Who Suffers from TMJ/TMD?
Millions of people are affected by this condition. Although women report more pain from the condition , TMJ/TMD in men causes as much or more damage to the teeth, gums, bones and joints.

Children are especially sensitive to developing TMJ/TMD and usually show early signs with ear infections; leaning their head on an arm; lip or cheek biting/chewing; finger sucking; headaches; snoring; grinding of their teeth at night; and frequent chewing of gum.

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TMJ / TMD Symptoms Disclaimer: The information throughout this website is not intended to be taken as medical advice. For more information about TMD / TMJ Symptoms please contact your LVI trained neuromuscular dentist at Designer Dental Studio.