Temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMD’s, come in the form of problems with the joint of your jawbone or the muscles that manipulate these joints. It can often be difficult to determine the cause of such disorders, but the most common causes include the following:
- Missing Teeth: If you have a missing tooth for an extended period of time, your jawbone may lose bone structure and become uneven. When this happens, your TMJ has to work harder. This is why it is important to have a dental implant installed.
- Injuries: An impact to the jaw area can result in a TMD.
- Bruxism: Excessive grinding and clenching can strain your jaw muscles.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw can manifest as a TMD.
- Other Diseases: Oral cancer, gingivitis, and certain other diseases can affect the alignment of your jaw and cause a TMD.
If you feel a pain in your jaw that does not go away, there are treatment options available. Talk to your doctor to learn more about TMD’s.