What Are TMJ and TMD?
The acronym TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. This is the joint on either side of your jaw that allows your mouth to open and close. The temporomandibular joint is very important to your ability to talk, chew, and otherwise live your life. However, this joint can also develop problems that make your day-to-day life difficult and painful. Problems with your TMJ that do not resolve on their own are called temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMD. However, many people often use the terms interchangeably TMD includes a variety of problems. Anything that interferes with the joint, causing pain, tightness, or inflammation, is considered TMD.
What Causes TMD?
It’s often hard to pin down exactly what caused someone’s TMD. Many factors increase your risk of developing TMJ problems, and these can combine to cause TMD. Some common causes of TMD are as follows:- Arthritis.
- Damage or wear to the cartilage in the TMJ.
- Erosion of the disk that cushions the joint.
- The disk that cushions the joint shifts out of place.
- Injury to the jaw, like a fall or blow.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth, also called bruxism.
Signs and Symptoms of TMD
Generally speaking, TMD is accompanied by pain in one or both of the joints of your jaw, but here are some other common symptoms of TMD:- Difficulty chewing or talking.
- Clicking sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw or surrounding areas, like the ear or cheeks.
- Headaches.
- Inability to open or close your mouth all the way.
- Locking of the jaw joint.
- Radiating pain that comes from the jaw area.
TMD Treatments
There are a variety of treatments for TMD. Which treatment you need will depend on your unique situation and preferences.Physical Therapy
TMJ pain can be caused by weak jaw muscles that are being overstrained. Physical therapy can help you strengthen those muscles and eliminate your pain. Physical therapy can also teach you how to relax your jaw muscles, easing the tightness in your joints.Splints and Mouth Guards
Dr. Leyder might also recommend you get a splint or a mouth guard to help with your TMD. He’ll customize it to your mouth by taking an x-ray and scan of your mouth and teeth. TMD mouthguards come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some look like clear retainers. These mouthguards cover all your teeth and help you relax your jaw. Others only cover a few teeth, preventing your back teeth from touching and stopping you from clenching your jaw.
