Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) - Symptoms and Possible Treatments

Temporomandibular Disorder, often referred to as TMD, is jaw problems that deal with the movement of the jaw and pain in the jaw joints (sometimes also referred to as TMJ [temporomandibular joint]). There are a few different causes of TMJ, such as stress, injury to the joint or mouth, joint disorders, and the habit of clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, along with some other causes. Symptoms of TMJ can affect the joint and muscles in the mouth, also it can affect other muscles in your neck and shoulders. Sometimes headaches occur, and other issues like locking of the jaw, trouble opening the mouth all the way, and joint and muscle pain.

I was diagnosed with TMD a few months ago by my dentist. My jaw was making clicking noise every once in a while before I was diagnosed, I didn't really think anything of it. One day I woke up and I went to eat some breakfast and I noticed I couldn't open my mouth all the way - I couldn't open it more than one inch. And when I took a bit of food, I noticed how much it hurt to chew. So, I decided to call my dentist for an appointment. He listened to my jaw and felt it open and close as far as it could and checked for any soreness in my neck and shoulders. He diagnosed me with TMD and explained everything to me. He told me that it would probably be with me for the rest of my life, but not a constant pain - more in the sense that it will get better but can reoccur. He gave me some things to do to help my jaw get better and alleviate the pain. Luckily, my TMD is not severe. It is chronic, but there are different ways to alleviate the pain.

Some treatments for TMD are:
Rest the jaw joint. I have heard good posture helps your jaw relax (even if it doesn't make a big difference, good posture is still good for you)!
Try to be more aware if you clench your jaw or grind your teeth especially when stressed.
Also, if chewing hurts and your mouth can't open all the way, soft foods help - they take pressure off of your jaw.
Refrain from chewing gum for a while too - the extra movement and biting down on the gum doesn't help.
Also, a hot damp compress placed on the painful areas can help too.
Your doctor or dentist might also suggest taking aspirin and some jaw exercises too.
Physical therapy, splints, and surgery are also possible treatment options depending on how severe the TMD is. However, most do not need surgery.

Remember, I am not a doctor nor am I a dentist. So, it is best to go to your doctor or dentist to get the proper diagnosis and treatment for you.