TMJ is the term for our temporomandibular joint, which opens and closes our jaw. It is part of the masticatory system that we use to chew our food, and includes the teeth and muscles of our head and neck.
Pain in any of these areas is called TMD, or Temporomandibular Disorder. This pain can be caused by any number of reasons such as trauma, hormones, stress and malocclusion (teeth not fitting together properly). Malocclusion is the most common cause of TMJ pain. When our teeth do not fit together in a comfortable TMJ position, the result is grinding or clenching of the teeth, which occurs mostly when we are sleeping, but can also be when we are awake. This can lead to migraine headaches, earaches, face, neck, shoulder, and jaw pain and also occlusal disease.
If this disease is left untreated, it can lead to continued deterioration of the teeth which causes tooth pain and loss. In addition, the forces on the bone can cause progressive periodontal disease. It is important to be evaluated and treated before you feel there is a problem so that the solutions are much easier and affordable.
