The Trouble with TMJ
Have you ever met someone who claimed to have TMJ? What he or she may not have realized is that not only did they have TMJ, but everyone else does too!
TMD is the New TMJ
Have you ever met someone who claimed to have TMJ? What he or she may not have realized is that not only did they have TMJ, but everyone else does too! According to WebMD, TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint--the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. The term that describes an abnormality within the joint is actually referred to as TMD or temporomandibular disorders.
Cause and Effect
In their article, “Temporomandibular Joint Disorders", Web MD says that medical professionals have yet to discover what causes TMD, however they do believe the problems derive from issues with the jaw or joint that may become present after injury to the jaw, joint or neck and head muscles. WebMD goes on to list additional possible causes of temporomandibular disorders including but not limited to:
- Teeth Grinding or clenching
- Arthritis
- Stress
- Soft cushion and disc movement within the joint
The article explains someone may have TMD if he or she experiences any of the following:
- Difficulty opening his or her mouth wide
- Popping, clicking or grating sounds upon opening and closing the mouth
- Swelling on the side of the face
- Jaws that stick when opening or closing
- Facial fatigue
- Trouble Chewing
- Pain and tenderness in the jaw, neck, shoulders or around the ear
- Toothaches
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus or ear ringing
Women and individuals between the ages of twenty and forty are also more likely to develop TMD than other demographics.
But Wait, There's More!
Then join us next time when we will be discussing the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders.
Contact Lake Cities Dental for more information about Family Dentistry and Orthodontics in the Southlake, TX area. (817) 410-7373. Also, check us out on Facebook and Google+.