Jaw Disorders - In Your Local Area

What Is TMJ?

Jaw pain and jaw problems are the hallmarks of TMJ disorder. But first, it's important to understand the difference between two abbreviations: TMJ and TMD.

The temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) is abbreviated TMJ. Everyone has two TMJs, one on the left and one on the right, that hold the jaw (mandible) in place. The TMJ itself is a normal part of every healthy body.

On the other hand, TMD is not normal. TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder or dysfunction). The cause of TMJ dysfunction is not always clear. However, certain factors are associated with increased TMJ symptoms, including:

• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching, especially at night (a condition known as bruxism)
• Jaw dislocation or another jaw injury
• Arthritis or other joint problems
• Stress

These are among the most common symptoms of TMJ:

• Popping jaw or clicking jaw
• Sore jaw
• TMJ headache (a TMJ headache feels very different from TMJ jaw pain)

TMJ dentists and other TMJ specialists can offer a range of treatments for TMJ.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Subliminal Stuff: Teeth Grinding and TMJ

Sensitivity to heat and cold. Loosened teeth, fractures, and a debilitating headache. All this can occur while you sleep - from grinding your teeth. Dentistry calls it bruxism.

Talk about shell shock. Dentists see evidence of life in the fast lane everyday. As many as 90 percent of us grind our teeth each night, on the average of five episodes per evening. The bite force is so powerful - over 200 pounds per square inch - and the noise so fearful, you cannot physically duplicate this phenomenon when you're wide awake. While you're sleeping, a lot of damage is being done that could be causing TMJ symptoms.

Bruxing seems to be associated with the REM stage of sleep, that never-never land where dreaming and rapid eye movement occur. There is some evidence that a bite out of alignment contributes to bruxing, but most agree stress is the problem. Or, even more alarming, the anticipation of stress.

Most people learn about a bruxing habit from the spouse who has to put up with it every night. More clues; waking up in the morning with jaw pain, jaw popping, jaw clicking, migraine or muscle fatigue and loose teeth.

Physical therapy, muscle relaxants and, sometimes, a custom dental appliance can help. But learning how to handle the stress in your life could salvage more than your teeth and help eliminate TMJ syndrome.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.