But despite the prevalence and wide availability of treatment, only one out every three people with TMD fails to seek treatment. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, as many as 12 percent of Americans may suffer from some type of TMD, with women twice as likely to be affected than men. That TMD alone is not a disorder, but instead a collection of disorders that affect the temporomandibular joint? It is the second most common pain-causing musculoskeletal condition in the U.S. Left untreated, however, TMJ disorders can lead to headaches, muscle pain, malocclusion and tooth damage from grinding or clenching.
There are many ways of treating TMJ disorders, ranging from non-invasive therapy and bite splints to injections or surgery. Symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness near the jaw, as well as popping or clicking in the joint when speaking or chewing.
When patients experience disorders of this joint, they are said to have a temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is the bone structure, muscles and connective tissues that surround the jaw and control chewing.
