Tempormandibular Disorders (TMD) is a term that represents many clinical problems that involve the chewing (masticating) muscles, the tempormandibular joints, and the structures that anatomically make up masticatory systems. The teeth also play a role in the TMD. Growth and development of the upper and lower dental arches or loss of teeth or tooth structure can cause a malfunction of the masticatory system.
Trauma to the jaw or face, bruxism (grinding the teeth) or clenching the teeth can also cause a malfunction and pain within the masticator system.
Signs and Symptoms of TMD
- Pain in and around the TM joints
- Tender muscles around the temples, side of face or neck
- Sound in the TM joints – clicking or popping
- Problem opening or closing the mouth
- Pain or difficulty chewing
- Headaches
- Bad habits such as chewing on fingernails, pens or pencils
Causes
- Trauma to head, jaw or face
- Growth and development of face or jaw
- Development of dentition
- Bite problems (loss of teeth or improper bite)
- Grinding and/or clenching the teeth
- Stress
Dr. Carl Mueller has been treating TMD for over 30 years with much success. Being able to get relief from pain and to return to normal function has been the result of therapy for tempormandibular dysfunction.