What are TMD disorders?

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) refer to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), facial muscles, and surrounding structures. The TMJ is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, allowing you to move your jaw and perform actions like talking and chewing.

Common features of Temporomandibular Disorders include:

1. Pain: Individuals with TMD often experience pain or tenderness in the jaw joint, jaw muscles, or both. This discomfort may be intermittent or persistent.

2. Limited Jaw Movement: TMD can lead to difficulty or discomfort while opening the mouth wide, making it challenging to eat or speak. Sometimes patient might not be able to move the lower jaw sideways as well

3. Clicking or Popping Sounds: Some people with TMD may notice clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they move their jaw. These noises can be accompanied by or contribute to jaw pain.

4. Locking of the Jaw: In some cases, the jaw may temporarily get stuck or lock in an open or closed position.

5. Muscle Tension: TMD can cause increased tension and tenderness in the muscles that control jaw movement.

Causes of Temporomandibular Disorders:

1. Bruxism: Teeth grinding or clenching, often during sleep, can contribute to TMD.

2. Jaw Injury: Trauma to the jaw or joint can lead to TMD.

3. Deep pain input: Source of pain within the musculoskeletal system like cervical pain may cause pain in the TMJ

4. Misaligned Bite: An improper bite or alignment of the teeth can contribute to TMD symptoms.

5. Stress: Emotional and psychological factors, such as stress, may exacerbate TMD symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Diagnosing TMD involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical history, a physical examination of the jaw and surrounding structures, and, if necessary, imaging studies. Treatment options vary depending on
the severity and underlying causes but may include:

1. Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage pain inflammation and stress.

2. Muscle Relaxants: Prescribed to alleviate muscle spasms and tension.

3. Physiotherapy: Exercises to improve jaw mobility and reduce muscle discomfort.

4. Splints: Custom-made devices, such as splints or mouthguards to protect the teeth and subsequently the joint

5. Stress Management: Techniques to manage stress, which can contribute to TMD symptoms.

In more severe cases, and if conservative measures are not effective, orthodontic treatment, full mouth rehabilitation to correct malocclusion or even surgical intervention might be required for the joint space.
If you suspect you have TMD or are experiencing persistent headache, clicking in joint, jaw pain or dysfunction, it’s essential to consult with your dentist or TMD specialist, for a proper diagnosis and appropriate management.