801-756-0900Because every person has temporomandibular joints (TMJs), they also have a risk of developing TMJ disorder. The TMJs are the jaw joints attaching the lower jaw to the skull, and if they don’t function efficiently, you may be left with a jaw that clicks and pops when it moves, locks open or shut, causes swelling and pain, and results in frequent headaches. Knowing the cause of your TMJ disorder, also called TMD, can help you seek treatment more efficiently.
If you experience any symptoms of a TMJ disorder, Dr. Carl McMillan encourages you to schedule a jaw structure evaluation so that he can determine the cause of your TMD. Common causes of TMD are:
– Arthritis, which damages the joint cartilage and causes jaw pain and misalignment
– Jaw trauma resulting from a strong force hitting the jaw and messing up the alignment of your jaw discs
– Misalignment caused by jaw structure changes that also alter the fit of your jaw system
– Tooth grinding and stress compelling you to grind their teeth during sleep and wear down your jaw muscles (keep in mind that not all who grind their teeth will develop a TMJ disorder, but it does raise the risk)
– Gender, since many TMJ disorders develop in women between the age of 20 and 40, hinting at a link between TMJ disorder and female hormones
Please do not hesitate to contact TMJ Therapy at 801-756-0900 if you are suffering TMJ disorder symptoms or have any known risk factors of TMJ disorder.
