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Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
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What is the Temporomandibular Joint?
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The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint that slides and rotates just in front of your ear, consisting of the temporal bone (side and base of the skull) and the mandible (lower jaw).
Chewing mucles are attached to the skull, allowing you to move your jaw forward, sideways, and open and close.
The joint works properly when the lower jaw and its joint (both the right and left) are synchronized during movement.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) may occur when the jaw twists during opening, closing or side-motion movements. These movements affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control chewing.
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What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
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TMD describes a variety of conditions that affect jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Symptoms may occur on one or both sides of the face, head or jaw, or develop after an injury.
TMD affects more than twice as many women than men and is the most common non-dental related chronic orofacial pain.
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What are some common symptoms of TMD?
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- An earache without infection
- Jaw pain more often in the morning or late afternoon
- Jaw pain when you chew, bite or yawn
- Clicking when opening and closing your mouth
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- Locked or stiff jaw when you talk, yawn or eat
- Sensitive teeth when no dental problems can be found
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If you are experiencing jaw pain, please don't hesitate to call the office for a free comprehensive orthodontic exam including TMJ evaluation.
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