What is TMD?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is also called the jaw joint. It allows you to open and shut your mouth and move your jaw from side-to-side and back and forth. The jaw muscles around the TMJ help you to chew. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) describes a group of conditions that affect the TMJ and chewing muscles. People with TMD may have symptoms including head and ear aches, pain with chewing, talking and yawning and popping or clicking sounds with jaw movement. 

Most people with TMD have symptoms that come and go over time and can be self-managed at home. However, about 5% of people with TMD have more severe symptoms and will need treatment by a medical or dental provider. 

The Temporomandibular Joint

The TMJ joins the temporal bone and the mandible. You have two TMJs—one on the right side of your head, one on the left. They are located just in front of each ear. Watch a video about the TMJ.

What are the Types of TMD?

There are two types of TMD: muscle-related and joint-related. It is possible for you to have one type of TMD or a combination of both.

• Myogenous TMD (muscle-related) – is usually caused by overwork, fatigue or tension of the jaw and other muscles in the head and neck. This type of TMD commonly causes jaw ache, toothache, headache and/or an ache in the back of your neck.
   
• Arthrogenous TMD (joint-related) – is usually caused by inflammation, disease or degeneration of the hard or soft tissues within the TMJ. Inflammation, disc dislocation and degenerative arthritis are the most common joint-related disorders of the TMJ. This type of TMD commonly causes jaw ache, headaches, and earaches.
  

Who is Affected?

• Women are twice as likely to have TMD than men.
   
• Women using oral contraceptives or estrogen (hormone) supplements are more likely to go to a health care provider for treatment of TMD.