TMJ (TEMPORAL-MANDIBULAR JOINT SYNDROME)

TMJ (Temporo-mandibular Joint Syndrome) is a disorder of the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles and tissues of the face. This joint connects the lower jaw (the mandible) to the skull in front of the ears. The joint moves every time chewing, talking, or swallowing occurs.

TMJ Syndrome affects millions of people in the U.S. Most of the sufferers are women. The symptoms of TMJ Syndrome are often thought to be due to other things like migraine headaches, sinus trouble, ear infections, or toothaches.

TMJ disorders are caused by many factors including:

• clenching or grinding teeth, chewing gum or ice regularly
• always chewing on one side of the mouth
• muscle spasms of the jaw and face
• improper bite caused by crooked teeth, a malformed jaw, ill fitting dentures, or injury
• poor posture
• disease or arthritis in the joint