It may seem unlikely, but unexplained headaches often can be a dental problem, as a great many people with Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) have learned.

Better known in lay terms as TMJ, named for the temporomandibular joint, TMD can cause a variety of troubling symptoms. These range from those headaches – typically in the temporal area in front of and above the ears, or at the back of the neck – to jaw pain, soreness in the facial muscles, or a feeling of “tightness” in the face upon awakening that takes a while to go away

To understand TMD/TMJ, you need to know that the relationship between our jaw joints and how our teeth fit together influences both comfort and appearance.

Ideally, both of our jaw joints are in perfect position, and when we close our teeth together, all teeth touch at the same time with equal intensity. When one or both of our jaw joints move in any direction, our back teeth immediately come apart, and when any teeth are touching, our front teeth guide our jaw movement until the jaw joints are all the way back to full closure. This natural “bio-engineering” provides the most stable, harmonious environment for the jaw joints, the teeth, the muscles, ligaments, gum tissues, and bone.

For many people, though, the fit is far from ideal. When this system is operating in an uncoordinated fashion, humans have a variety of ways to adapt. Some of the manifestations commonly seen are:

  • Worn, loose, broken or cracked teeth;
  • Gum tissue recession;
  • Bone loss around teeth;
  • Sore muscles in the face, temples and neck;
  • Headaches;
  • Stretched ligaments in the joints;

and other degenerative effects. It is this group of maladies that is termed TMD.

The good news is you don’t have to simply live with the condition, or its effects. All of these conditions can be remedied with TMD treatment-and should be, especially if you are considering aesthetic restorative dentistry and want a stable result.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD): Overview

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders that arise from problems with the occlusion (the contact between teeth), jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. Symptoms include: clicking/popping sounds in the jaw, jaws that get ‘stuck’ or ‘locked’ in the open- or closed-mouth position, difficulty chewing, and swelling/pain/tenderness in the face.

What are temporomandibular disorders (TMD)?

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders that develop from problems with the fit between the upper and lower teeth, the jaw joint, and the muscles in the face that control chewing and moving the jaw.

What is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the jaw joint. It is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, which is immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head. The joints move smoothly up and down and side to side, which allows you to talk, chew, and yawn. Muscles attached to and surrounding the jaw joint control its position and how it moves.

What causes temporomandibular disorders (TMD)?
TMD can be caused by injury to the jaw, TMJ, or muscles of the head and neck, such as from a heavy blow. Other causes include:

  • Grinding or clenching the teeth (puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ)
  • Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket
  • Presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
  • Stress, which can cause a person to tighten muscles in the face and jaw or to clench the teeth

What are the symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD)?

People with TMD can feel severe pain and discomfort that can be temporary or last for many years. TMD is most common in those 20 to 40 years of age and is more common in women than in men.

Symptoms of TMD include:

  • Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
  • Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
  • Jaws that get “stuck” or “lock” in the open- or closed-mouth position
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth. Pain may also be present.
  • A tired feeling in the face
  • Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite – as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
  • Swelling on the side of the face

Other common symptoms include toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, and earaches and hearing problems such as tinnitus.

How are temporomandibular disorders (TMD) diagnosed?

Because other conditions cause similar symptoms — including a toothache, sinus problems, arthritis, or gum disease — a thorough history and clinical exam is taken. Temporomandibular joints are examined for pain or tenderness; clicking, popping, or grating sounds during jaw movement; limited motion or locking of the jaw while opening or closing the mouth; and bite and facial muscle function.

Panoramic X-rays might be taken. These full face X-rays show the entire jaws, TMJ, and teeth to make sure other problems aren’t causing the symptoms. Sometimes other imaging tests are needed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) views the soft tissue, such as the TMJ disc, to see if it is in the proper position as the jaw moves. A computed tomography (CT) scan helps view the bony detail of the joint.

You may be seen by a maxillofacial surgeon for further care and treatment. This doctor specializes in surgical procedures in and about the entire face, mouth, and jaw area.