What Causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJ?)
Tysons Corner, Fairfax and Washington D.C.
Temporomandibular joint disorder is thought to affect many people that probably do not even know they have it. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is at the back of the jaw and connects to the skull; when not working properly, the TMJ can cause muscle pain in the neck, face, and shoulders. Tension headaches, along with popping in the jaw are also signs. This is why it is important to visit a highly trained neuromuscular dentist like Dr. Michael Chung, at Softouch Dental Care, regularly so you will be aware and avoid the causes of TMD.
There are many different causes of TMD. Grinding of the teeth, or bruxism, exerts about two or three times the normal pressure that you are used to in your jaw. This constant pressure leads to sore bones and muscles in the mouth and damage to your teeth. Also, having crooked teeth and a bad bite can lead to problems.
A misaligned bite is known as malocclusion (dental problems and misalignment of the teeth). This causes a patient’s bite to not work properly. TMD sufferers might chew on one side of their mouth all the time, causing the jaw joint to work improperly and adding extra stress on everything around it.
Stress is another factor to consider, since many people release their stress, consciously or unconsciously, in the form of tooth grinding and clenching their teeth. Some of the other causes of TMD might be:
- Trauma to the jaw or jaw region
- Diet
- Disease
- Occupational hazard like holding the phone with your shoulder all day
- Habitual gum chewing
A neuromuscular dentist, like Dr. Chung, is experienced with all aspects of TMD/TMJ. Knowing that it is difficult to diagnose TMD, since many symptoms are associated with other health problems, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Many people decide to just deal with the pain not realizing that the jaw is one of the most powerful muscles in your body and having it not work right can be very damaging.
If you feel you may have TMD and don’t want to suffer anymore, then Softouch Dental Care is your answer. A graduate from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, Dr. Chung has the experience and the knowledge and treat all aspects of TMD.
Oakton, VA 22124
