What Causes TMD?
We know that severe injury to the jaw or Temporomandibular joint can
cause TMD. A heavy blow, for example, can fracture the bones of the joint
or damage the disc, disrupting the smooth motion of the jaw and causing
pain or locking. Arthritis in the jaw joint may also result from injury. Other causes of TMD are less clear. Some suggest, for example, that a
bad bite (malocclusion) can trigger TMD, but recent research disputes
that view. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces and the use of headgear,
has also been blamed for some forms of TMD, but studies now show that
this is unlikely.
And there is no scientific proof that gum chewing causes clicking sounds
in the jaw joint, or that jaw clicking leads to serious TMJ problems. In fact, jaw clicking is fairly common in the general population. If there
are no other symptoms, such as pain or locking, jaw clicking usually does
not need treatment.
Researchers believe that most people with clicking or popping in the
jaw joint likely have a displaced disc -- the soft, shock-absorbing disc
is not in a normal position. As long as the displaced disc causes no pain
or problems with jaw movement, no treatment is needed.
Some experts suggest that stress, either mental or physical, may cause
or aggravate TMD. People with TMD often clench or grind their teeth at
night, which can tire the jaw muscles and lead to pain. It is not clear,
however, whether stress is the cause of the clenching/grinding and subsequent
jaw pain, or the result of dealing with chronic jaw pain or dysfunction. Scientists are exploring how behavioral, psychological and physical factors
may combine to cause TMD.
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