TMD involves the 2 joints that link the lower jaw to the skull. These joints let the mouth open and close. They are in front of your ears.
There are 3 types of TMD:
- Myofascial pain of the muscles that control jaw function
- Joint derangement, such as a displaced disc, dislocated jaw, or injury to the bone
- Arthritis of the temporomandibular joint
You may have TMD if:
- The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are often swollen and sore.
- The muscles that work the joints spasm often.
- The disc that rests between the joint and the skull is worn out or out of place.
- You have problems moving your jaw.
- Your bite is off or not in line.
- You have clicking in when you move your jaw.
The exact cause of TMD is not known. Some people have had accidents or injuries of the jaw, but many others have not. Some causes may be:
-
Grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw because of stress
- Arthritis of the joint
- Past injury or trauma to the joint
- Facial bone defects
- A bite that is off or not in line
TMD symptoms may originate within the joint itself or from the muscles that surround the joint. The treatment of these 2 variants of TMD may differ.
