TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)

TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)

Our Jaw Shape May Foretell Risk of Temporomandibular Disorders

In Brief:

  • An NIDCR-supported study showed that a smaller lower jawbone may strain the jaw joint and could predict a person’s risk of painful jaw problems.
  • The findings may help explain why women and people with a certain form of overbite, who typically have smaller jaws, are more likely to develop temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).
Inflammation May Curb, Not Cause, Chronic Pain
Instead of causing chronic pain, inflammation at the acute stage appears to help thwart it. The NIDCR-supported study suggests suppressing inflammation may be counterproductive for relieving low back and jaw pain in the long run.
TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)
Versión en español

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, commonly called "TMJ," are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement.

Researchers generally agree that the conditions fall into three main categories:

  1. Myofascial pain involves discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw function.
  2. Internal derangement of the joint involves a displaced disc, dislocated jaw, or injury to the condyle.
  3. Arthritis refers to a group of degenerative/inflammatory joint disorders that can affect the temporomandibular joint.

A person may have one or more of these conditions at the same time.

Some estimates suggest that TMJ disorders affect over 10 million Americans. These conditions appear to be more common in women than men.

 

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Prevalence of TMJD and its Signs and Symptoms

The prevalence of temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJD) is between 5% and 12%. Unusual for chronic pain conditions, the prevalence rates of TMJ disorders are higher among younger persons. TMJ disorders are at least twice as prevalent in women as men, and women using either supplemental estrogen or oral contraceptives are more likely to seek treatment for these conditions.

Facial Pain

The most common cause of facial pain is a group of conditions called temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJDs).  These disorders cause recurrent or chronic pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and its associated muscles and supporting tissues. TMJDs are the second most commonly occurring musculoskeletal conditions resulting in pain and disability (after chronic low back pain), affecting approximately 5 to 12% of the population, with an annual cost estimated at $4 billion. About half to two-thirds of those with TMJ disorders will seek treatment.

TMJ Disorders

In-depth brochure covering causes, symptoms, and treatments for TMJ disorders.