What Causes TMD?

The causes of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) are not always known. However, it is believed that contributing factors to this common disorder include:

2012-09-19

PHILADELPHIA, PA, September 19, 2012 (Press-News.org) The causes of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) are not always known. However, it is believed that contributing factors to this common disorder include:

- Stress
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Jaw clenching
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Trauma to the jaw
- Poor dental work or restorations
- Malocclusion

Because it is entirely possible for the cause of your TMD to be unknown, it is important to see a neuromuscular dentist if you begin having symptoms of this disorder.

Symptoms of TMD

The most obvious symptoms of TMD include pain or swelling around the jaw joint. This may or may not be accompanied by clicking or popping when you move your mouth, limited jaw mobility, or complete lockjaw. All of these things should prompt an immediate visit to your neuromuscular dentist.

Other symptoms of TMD include:

- Chronic, debilitating headaches
- Neck, shoulder, and backaches
- Ear ringing or ear pain without the presence of infection
- Dizziness or vertigo

If left untreated, TMD can result in issues as serious as postural problems, digestive abnormalities, and uneven tooth wear resulting in tooth loss and other oral health problems.

Treating TMD

In instances where the cause is an issue such as malocclusion, your dentist may treat TMD with orthodontic options like Invisalign . When your TMD is caused by a bad bite or poor dental work, dental restorations such as crowns and veneers may solve the problem.

Even in instances where the cause is unknown, your neuromuscular dentist can provide TMD solutions including muscle relaxation with a TENS unit, jaw realignment with an oral splint or mouthguard, and therapeutic exercises to help strengthen and realign the muscles in your jaw. Much of this depends on the extent, not the cause of your TMD and will be determined by your dentist based your exact needs.

If you are suffering from TMD in or around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, please visit the website of neuromuscular dentist Lindsey Marshall, DMD for more information at www.lindseymarshall.com.

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