Mary A Beilman, DDS

985-893-5138

drbeilman@dentistryonline.com

Dental Conditions

The Basics of TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder)

TMD, temporomandibular disorder, is not one condition, but a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (the TMJ). The symptoms arise when there is a conflict between the biting surfaces of the teeth, the muscles in the jaw, and the jaw joint. TMD symptoms can range from a mild jaw clicking and minor discomfort to searing pain in the temple, ear, jaws and teeth. Some people with TMD can't open their mouths all the way; others' mouths lock wide open or dislocate.

Researchers don't know specifically how many people suffer from TMJ disorders, but the statistics seem to indicate that about twice as many women suffer from the condition as men. However, for most people suffering from TMD symptoms, the discomfort is temporary and does not indicate the development of a serious problem. Only a small percentage of people suffer from chronic, significant TMD symptoms.

What is the temporomandibular joint?

The TMJ is the joint that joins the lower jaw with the temporal bone of the skull. It is located just to the front of your ear on each side of your head. The joint is lined with a rubbery, slippery tissue called cartilage, which allows the joint to glide smoothly as it works.

To feel your TMJ at work, put your index finger on the hard triangular tissue next to the front of your ear opening. Press down as you open and close your mouth. The motion you feel is the TMJ doing its job, and it shouldn't hurt. If it does, chances are you have a TMD; you should see your dentist or your physician for a diagnosis.

What causes TMD?

Jaw-joint pain occurs when the cartilaginous tissue wears down to the nerve endings. Many things can cause the cartilage to wear away, but the scientific community is in disagreement as to what these causes are. Currently, most experts agree that it's a combination of behavioral, psychological and physical factors that bring on the symptoms associated with TMD. However, dental professionals are in agreement that severe injury to the jaw is a definite cause of TMD.

What can you do to prevent TMD?

Although the specific causes of TMD—other than jaw injury—have not yet been clearly identified, many dentists recommend taking the following steps to put as little stress on the TMJ area as possible:

  • Pay attention to how you chew. Have you gotten into the habit of chewing only on one side of your mouth? If so, is there an uneven or uncomfortable area on your teeth or gums that is causing you to favor one side over the other? If that's the case, you need to have the problem corrected by your dentist. If it's just a habit to chew on one side only, you need to make a conscious effort to chew on both sides of your mouth. No matter what the cause of the lopsided chewing, it inflicts too much wear on the jaw joint on that side of your mouth.


  • Do you clench or grind your teeth, either during the day or at night while you sleep? Ask your spouse or roommate to let you know if you grind your teeth when you're sleeping. This is a condition called bruxism and many people have it but don't realize it. Bruxism is not only damaging to your jaw joint, but to your teeth as well. If you have bruxism, your dentist can fit you with a night guard that will prevent your teeth from grinding together.


  • Clenching or grinding during the day is usually a subconscious response to stress. Pay attention to your body's reaction to stress; is clenching your teeth one of them? If so, you will have to consciously "tell" your jaw to relax. Try to always keep your teeth a little bit apart; resting your tongue between your teeth often helps.


  • Give your jaw frequent rests from chewing and avoid gum and hard, chewy food.


    • Sources- The National Institute of Dental Research
    The American Academy of Orofacial Pain