TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder, which refers to a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles that control jaw movement.
The TMJ is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull, allowing for movements like chewing and speaking.
TMD can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw joint and surrounding areas.
Common symptoms of TMD can include jaw pain or soreness, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty in opening or closing the mouth, headaches, earaches, facial pain, and muscle spasms in the jaw.
The exact causes of TMD are often unclear, but it can be associated with factors like jaw injury, clenching or grinding of teeth (bruxism), misaligned bite, stress, and arthritis. TMD can also be exacerbated by poor posture, certain dental procedures, or habits like chewing gum or biting nails.
