TMD
Temporomandibular disorder, known as TMD, is a cycle of pain, muscle spasms, and joint imbalance where the jaw meets the skull. The lower jaw meets the skull at the temporomandibular joint, know as the TMJ. This joint connects the temporal bone of the skull with the mandible bone of the jaw. Cushioning these two bones is a thin disc of cartilage. Five muscles support the joint.
Symptoms of TMD
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- Clicking or popping in the joint
- Dull aching pain around the ear that spreads into the face and base of skull, some times even into the neck
- Sore or painful jaw muscles
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms you may have TMD. The first step in helping correct this disorder is making a consultation appointment to be evaluated by your dentist.