More About TMJ - About TMJ

It is estimated that as many as one in every four Americans suffer from one or more symptoms of TMJ disorders. While the majority of sufferers are women, men, young children and adolescence also suffer with symptoms. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD/TMJ) can be difficult to diagnose and treat because the problem often crosses over into several different specialties in medicine and dentistry. People who suffer from this disorder have typically visited many different health care professionals -- all of whom may have a piece of the puzzle, yet they continue to have problems with their TM joints.

The two TM joints, located on each side of your head in front of the ears, are the most used joints in the entire body because they work together for chewing, talking, singing, shouting and swallowing. Muscles attach both the bones and joints. Each joint has a small disc which allows smooth movement of the jaw when functioning. When the chewing muscles and jaw joints do not function properly together, TMJ disorder is the result. Displaced joints can cause mild discomfort to severe pain.