How Can I Prevent TMD?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as temporomandibular disorder or TMD) causes pain in your jaw which can result in you clenching or grinding your teeth. It also affects the way you chew, swallow, speak and yawn. To learn more or determine if you have TMD, visit your Waterloo dentist. What is Temporomandibular Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint is located just in front of your ears, on either side of your head. It connects your jawbone (mandible) to your skull (temporal bone). Considered to be one of the most complex joints in the human body, it can rotate and move forward, backward and from side-to-side. It works in combination with other muscles and ligaments to perform several functions such as chewing, swallowing, speaking and yawning.
Problems with the muscle, bone or other tissue in and around the joint can be diagnosed as a temporomandibular joint disorder.
Do I Have TMD?
In many cases, TMD is caused by a combination of factors such as jaw injuries or jaw disease and arthritis, disc erosion or misalignment.
Signs or symptoms of TMD include: