07/23/2013
Temporomandibular disorders occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. These disorders are often incorrectly called TMJ, which stands for temporomandibular joint. The cause of TMD is not clear. Some dentists believe that symptoms arise from problems with the muscles of the jaw or with parts of the joint itself. Causes of TMD include grinding or clenching the teeth, dislocation of the soft cushion of disc between the ball and socket, presence of osteoarthritis in the TMJ, stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench teeth. Common symptoms include pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in and around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth. You may hear clicking or popping sounds. You can also have swelling on the side of the face, develop difficulty chewing or have severe pain and discomfort. Your dentist can do a thorough examination and a MRI or CT scan. Treatments include eating soft foods, applying heat or cold packs to the side of your face, take NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications), and wear a splint or night guard. Learning relaxation techniques can also help control muscle tension of the jaw.