What are Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)?

From clicking the jaw to suffering severe pain, temporomandibular joint disorders, also known as TMD can take a toll on our health, and in turn, hinder our daily life. Dr. Ahmed Moustafa Salloum, Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Specialist of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery reveals key coping mechanisms to help.

TMD defined

The temporomandibular disorders are considered to be multifactorial disorders where many factors, either external or internal can share in the precipitating of such a disorder.

The most common causes of TMD

According to Dr. Salloum, some of the most common causes of TMD include: trauma to the jaw, joint or the muscles of the head and neck; an improper bite or a crowding of teeth; grinding or clenching of your teeth which puts too much pressure on the joint; arthritis in the joint; and stress, which can cause you to tighten the facial and jaw muscles.

The signs and symptoms

TMD is considered an annoying problem due to the long duration of the disorder along with the occasional accompanying flare-ups. “Usually the attacks are related to stress, eating hard food, and/or trauma to the jaw,” he says. “TMD is presented with one or more of the following: a pain in and around the jaw

joint, constant or intermittent; headaches; ear aches; audible clicking or popping noises when opening and/or closing the mouth; pain that radiates through the neck and/or shoulders, limited range of jaw motion; and/or lock jaw.”

TMD treatment

TMD treatment should be undertaken from a knowledgeable oral and maxillofacial surgeon, points out Dr. Salloum, who will examine and diagnose the exact disorder, and recommend strategies to manage your discomfort and symptoms, as well as address the main cause of your problem. In terms of the duration of TMD, he adds, “For most people, discomfort from the TMD disorders will eventually go away on its own, but it requires the proper treatment and proper adjustment of the main causative element.” In fact, the patient should understand that sometimes TMD is a long term problem that requires the following: modification of your lifestyle, minimize surrounding stresses, behavioral modification, and even physiotherapy as well as medicines including muscle relaxants and pain killers.

Coping mechanisms for TMD patients

Modify your lifestyle; incorporate sports or some regular form of exercise. Minimize the surrounding stressful environment. Organize the use of smart devices and always maintain the proper posture of your neck. Avoid hard foods, including apples and carrots. Also avoid chewing gum and hard candies. Seek the help of a specialist to diagnose the exact cause of the TMD which is quite often concealed. H