Temporomandibular Joint Disorder - Possible Causes

Even for the most skilled dentists such as Dr. Coleman, diagnosing Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a difficult task. Due to its highly elusive symptoms and the fact that most people aren’t educated on the disorder, the majority of those suffering don’t even consider consulting their dentist.

TMD, TMJ, What’s The Difference?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is often referred to as TMJ. However, TMJ is an acronym for the Temporomandibular Joint, which is a ball-and-socket joint located directly in front of the ear. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is the actual disorder of your Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). Simply put, if you are diagnosed with TMD, your jaw is misaligned.

Looking Into Your Past

While some causes of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder reside in genetics, the majority of cases result from an accident in your past. If you have been suffering from the symptoms of TMD for a prolonged period of time and no doctor has relieved you of your pain, think about your history:

• Were you involved in a car accident where you suffered whiplash or a trauma to your head?
• Did you participate in heavy contact sports in your youth such as football, hockey, rugby etc.?
• Did you ever have improper dental work performed on you?
• Have you ever suffered from a concussion?

These are common injuries that can result in the misalignment of your Temporomandibular Joint, thus inflicting you with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

Do You Have Bad Jaw Habits?

Reflect on your daily habits.

• Do you grind your teeth or clench your jaw?
• Is your posture bad?
• Do you chew gum regularly?
• Do you suffer from stress, anger or anxiety?

If you engage in the following unhealthy routines and suffer from the symptoms of TMD, you should consult Dr. Coleman about having him examine your jaw. However, if you are diagnosed with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, it will be impossible to alleviate your pain until you address the issues propelling you toward these bad habits and stresses.

If you are diagnosed with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, there are many treatment options you have, from surgery to at-home remedies.

Learn more by reading our Questions about TMJ.