The Basics You Should Know About Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Are you experiencing chronic soreness in your jaw, neck, or ear area? Is chewing becoming more difficult? Do you hear or feel a popping or clicking when you open and close your mouth? These symptoms could be signs of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD is a painful condition that can be difficult to treat, but there are options available to you in the Jackson, New Jersey, area. Dr. Balaji Srinivasan and the team at Aesthetic Dental Creations can help you with TMD.

Here are some basics you should know about TMD:

What is your TMJ?

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull. You can feel the TMJ moving if you place a finger directly in front of your ears and then open your mouth. You will feel the rounded end of your jaw as it moves along the joint socket of your temporal bone. This section of the skull includes the inner ear and temple.

What are TMJ disorders?

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can cause pain or discomfort in your neck, jaw, head, or face. It can also make biting and chewing difficult. Clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth are also common symptoms. On occasion, your jaw can lock open or shut. TMD can affect anyone regardless of age but is more common in teenagers and older people. It is rarer in younger dental patients.

What causes TMD?

While the direct cause of TMD is not immediately clear, there is one particular condition often linked to TMD’s development – Bruxism. Bruxism is a chronic clenching and grinding of your teeth. Bruxism can often lead to your TMJ being overworked, leading to the joint’s disc shifting out of place or wearing down. Chronic grinding and clenching can also lead to overworked muscles and strain of the muscles used for chewing.

TMJ Treatment Near Me

The good news is that there are treatment options available. If you want to learn more about TMD and treatment options, please call Aesthetic Dental Creations at (732) 451-3570.