TMD in comparison to TMJ
Temporomandibular joint is abbreviated that way. Temporomandibular joint disease is abbreviated TMD. Simply said, TMD refers to conditions typified by inflammation or misalignment of the TMJs, whereas TMJ refers to the joint itself.
The temporomandibular joints: what makes them unique?
The “hinges” on either side of your face that bind your jaw to your cheek bones are called temporalandibular joints, or TMJs. With their distinctive hinging and sliding motion, these joints let your jaw open, move left and right, and go forward and backward. Speaking and eating both need this whole range of movements.
The jaw connects the TMJs to one another, so their effective operation depends on the teeth as well. Disorders involving the TMJs (TMDs) are not surprising because your TMJs depend on many things functioning perfectly.
A temporomandibular joint disorder is what?
Inflammation or misalignment of the TM joints is known as temporalandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Many related issues, all involving the joints that attach your jaw to your cheekbone, might be referred to as TMD.
Should these symptoms appear, TMD may be the cause:
- Soreness or sensitivity in the: Face, Jaw, Ears
- Locked jaw
- Opening your jaw with popping or clicking noises
- Chewing Discomfort
- Difficult opening mouth
- Side of face swelling
Why does temporomandibular joint disease occur?
Though there are several possible causes of TMD, the most common ones are:
- Stress
- Bruxism: teeth grinding and clenching
- Accidents and injuries
- Disc displacement at the TM joints
- Arthritis