Temporomandibular disorder affects the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, causing pain and dysfunction that can significantly impact daily life.
At Forster Tuncurry Dental & Implants, Dr Kenny and Dr Olivia frequently treat TMD patients and understand that this complex condition often results from multiple contributing factors rather than a single cause.
Understanding TMD
Common causes of TMD can include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching, particularly during sleep
- Jaw trauma from accidents, sports injuries or dental procedures
- Arthritis affecting the temporomandibular joints
- Misaligned bite or poorly fitting dental work
- Excessive gum chewing or nail-biting habits
- Stress and tension cause muscle tightness
- Hormonal changes, particularly in women
- Genetic predisposition to joint problems
Contributing Lifestyle Factors
Poor posture, especially forward head positioning from computer work, can strain jaw muscles and joints. Eating hard or chewy foods regularly may overwork the jaw muscles. Sleep disorders often coincide with teeth grinding, compounding TMD symptoms.
The Stress Connection
Emotional stress plays a significant role in TMD development. During stressful periods, many people unconsciously clench their jaw muscles or grind their teeth, leading to muscle fatigue and joint strain. This creates a cycle where pain increases stress, which worsens TMD symptoms.
TMD Relief Is a Phone Call Away
Your dentist in Forster conducts thorough examinations to identify your specific TMD triggers. Dr Kenny and Dr Olivia assess your bite, examine your jaw joints and discuss your lifestyle factors to develop an effective treatment plan. Understanding the root causes of your TMD is essential for successful long-term management.