TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders)

What are Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders (TMJ)? 

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, commonly called "TMJ," are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Some estimates suggest that TMJ disorders affect over 10 million Americans; the conditions appear to be more common in women than men.

Causes and Symptoms

Trauma to the jaw or temporomandibular joint plays a role in some TMJ disorders but in most cases, the exact cause of the condition is not clear. A variety of symptoms may be linked to TMJ disorders. Pain in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint is the most common symptom; others include jaw muscle stiffness; limited movement or locking of the jaw; painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth; and a change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

Treatment

For most people, discomfort from TMJ disorders will eventually go away with little or no treatment. Some, however, develop significant, long-term problems. Simple steps that may help ease symptoms temporarily include eating soft foods, applying ice packs, and avoiding extreme jaw movements like wide yawning and gum chewing. Short term use of over-the-counter or prescription pain medicines and learning techniques to reduce stress may also provide relief. Even if symptoms become significant and persistent, most people still do not need aggressive types of treatment.

To learn more about temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, please see:

Publications

• TMJ Disorders
  Brochure that describes the causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders. Also highlights research under way on these disorders.
• Less is Often Best in Treating TMJ Disorders
  Article on treatment and finding care for TMJ disorders. 
• Less Is Often Best in Treating TMJ (ad slicks)
  

  Three camera-ready ads suitable for use in newsletters, magazines, and other publications.  These ads provide information on how to order NIDCR's "TMJ Disorders" brochure:
  

  PDF 1 (PDF File, 534KB)  
  
  PDF 2 (PDF File, 534KB)  
  
  PDF 3 (PDF File, 1.08 MB)  

Publications in Spanish

• Los trastornos de las articulaciones y de los músculos temporomandibulares (ATM) (TMJ Disorders)

Clinical Trials

• TMD/TMJ

News Releases and Articles

• Study Evaluates Risk Factors for Chronic Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders (November 2011)
• Before the OPPERA (April 2010)
• Building Better Bone (March 2010)
• NIDCR Launches Important Study of Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders (December 2005)
• Mouse Model for Osteoarthritis of TMJ (July 2005)

Statistics

• TMJ Disorders Statistics
  Latest statistics on the prevalence of and treatment needs and financial costs associated with temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders

Reports from Conferences, Meetings, and Workshops

• Management of Temporomandibular Disorders
  This May 1996 report summarizes a meeting where a panel of non-government professionals and public representatives reviewed the state of research and knowledge about TMD and made recommendations about approaches to treating TMD.

Other Government Information

• Temporomandibular Disorders Interagency Working Group (TMDIWG)
  The TMDIWG promotes cooperation and communication across federal government agencies that conduct or support activities related to TMJ disorders.
  
• MedlinePlus: Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
  The National Library of Medicine's compilation of links to government, professional and non-profit/voluntary organizations with information on TMJ disorders.

Related Oral Health Topics

• Pain (oral, facial)

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