Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

Headaches? Teeth Grinding? Neck Pain?

The Problem Could Be Your Jaw Joint (TMJ)

^{Serving patients in Glenview, Golf, Northbrook, Winnetka, Evanston, Arlington Heights, Wilmette, Northfield, Mt. Prospect, Deerfield, Illinois}

The terms TMD and TMJ often get used interchangeably and you may have heard them used when talking to your dentist. TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint itself, while TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. Both terms are used to describe the disorders associated with the jaw joint.

TMJ

The TMJ is an extremely complex system. These joints are located on both sides of the face, right in front of the ears. The joint connects the jawbone to the skull. Few people know that these joints are the most complicated in the human body.

The TMJ provides a wide range of motion that is typically not allowed in other joints in the body. Not only do they rotate or pivot, they also slide, which is called translation. These movements allow us to open our mouths wide and move our jaws from side to side.

These joints work in connection with certain muscles in our face, which in turn are controlled by our central nervous system. Together they make up our neuromuscular system. This system is one of the most unique in our body. The right and left joints must work together in order for the jaw to move, and as our mouth opens, the jaw must also perform movements to the side and front.

TMD

Temporomandibular joint disorder consists of a host of issues that involve the jaw joint. Some of the most common symptoms of TMD are:

• Headaches
• Migraines
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears
• Neck, shoulder, and back pain
• Face pain
• Clicking or popping in the jaw
• A jaw that locks up

Causes of TMD

Many people suffer from TMD and because there may be no specific cause for the disorder, it is often overlooked or not diagnosed. TMD can occur in both adults and children. Some causes can include:

• Trauma to the face or jaw, such as a car accident or being hit with an object
• Clenching or grinding the teeth
• Nail biting
• Holding the phone between you head and shoulder
• Stress

The results of treating TMD can be life changing. Many people suffer from headaches on a daily basis, but they don’t consider that the headaches could be coming from their jaw. If you suffer from any symptom you believe may be related to TMD, don’t hesitate to contact our Glenview, Illinois and surrounding areas on the North Shore neuromuscular dentists at Colonial Dental Group.