Temporomandibular Disorder
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) refer to conditions where the nerves, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joints are associated with long-term facial pain. Problems that prevent complex systems of joints, bones, and muscle groups from working harmoniously can potentially result in TMD. The three factors that classify the disorder are myofascial pain, internal joint derangement, and degenerative disease of the joints. However, in most cases, the temporomandibular disorder’s actual cause isn’t clear.
It could be because of the excessive and abnormal strain on muscle groups controlling chewing, speech, and swallowing due to bruxism. Other times, it may be because of involuntary or habitual teeth grinding and clenching. Displacement of jaw joints and trauma to your neck, jaw, or head may also be the culprit. It’s also possible for medical conditions like fibromyalgia to overlap or be caused by TMD. Studies have also shown that the nervous system, genetic, sensory, psychological, and clinical factors may make a person more susceptible to developing the condition.
Some signs of temporomandibular disorder to look out for are jaw soreness and discomfort, headaches, facial pain, earaches, ear ringing, jaw popping or clicking, lockjaw, restricted mouth motions, teeth grinding or clenching, and teeth sensitivity.
