Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Temporomandibular disorder, also know as TMD, is a pain of the jaw joint connecting the temporal bone of the head.

The patient experiences sore jaw muscles, difficulty in chewing, pain of facial muscles, headaches, earaches, toothaches, grating sounds of the jaw joint while opening and closing of the mouth.

Causes of TMD

• Teeth grinding: Clenching teeth can bring muscle spasm, which causes Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction.
  
  
  
• Improperly fitted teeth: The jaw is not aligned because of improperly fitted teeth.
• Orthopedic problems: Arthritis, bone disorders or injury can cause TMD.
• Postural problems: Improper posture like putting the chin forward, holding the phone between the shoulder and cheek, carrying heavy bags on the shoulder can strain the neck and jaw muscles.
  
  
  
• Chewing gum can cause TMD.
• Blow to the jaw can cause TMD.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Treatment  
Simple home remedies help cure TMD.

• Eat soft foods and chew slowly. Avoid hard-to-chew foods.
• Take painkillers like Aspirin, Ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Cold or hot compresses to the jaw help in relieving the pain.
  Avoid excessive chewing.
  Maintain your posture.
• Relax your neck and jaw muscles by exercising like rolling your head in circles, or stretch your chin toward each shoulder in turn and hold it for a few seconds.
• Visit a physiotherapist if required.
• Avoid stress. Psychological counseling is also helpful.

There is no prevention but only avoid factors causing TMD.
Call the dentist or physician if TMD interferes with your day to day activities.

The dentist will examine you orally and correct your clenching by grinding down a few tooth surfaces.

In most cases Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction gets cured eventually on its own.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.