Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction TMJD Exam
A. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD or TMD) - Answer a. Definition: a painful
condition affecting the temporomandibular joint
i. Which impairs function and sensation in the face and jaw
ii. It may also result in pain and other symptoms in the ears, neck and shoulders
b. May have debilitating effects
i. Pain syndromes
ii. Eating problems
iii. Sleep disturbances
iv. Depression
v. Anxiety
c. Epidemiology
A. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD or TMD)
c. Epidemiology - Answer i. 40%-75% of adults have at least one sign of TMJD
ii. 33% of adults have at least one symptom of TMJD
iii. 3%-7% seek medical care
iv. Women seek care 3:1-9:1 > Men
v. More than 10 million people in the USA
vi. Majority are women in their childbearing years
1. Possibly due to action and influence of sex hormones on connective tissue
2. Greater amount of upper cross imbalance in females***
a. Associated with breast tissue, extra weight on chest causing imbalance
, A. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD or TMD)
d. Signs and symptoms - Answer i. Pain or tenderness of the jaw or cheek
ii. Aching facial pain or pain in/around the ear
iii. Difficulty or pain with chewing
iv. A bite that feels uncomfortable, "off", or as if it is continually changing
v. Inability to open the mouth comfortably or completely
vi. Deviation of jaw to one side
vii. Locking of the jaw, either open or closed
viii. TMJ sounds
1. Popping
2. Crepitus/grinding
3. Clicking***
A. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD or TMD)
e. Other often-associated symptoms - Answer i. Other symptoms reported include
headache, tinnitus, ear pain, diminished hearing, dizziness or vertigo, and visual
disturbances***
ii. TMJD usually does not occur on its own***
A. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD or TMD)
g. Causes - Answer i. All causes not yet determined
ii. Certain dental or medical procedures***, oral habits, injury/trauma and a vast variety
of joint diseases and disorders like arthritis, can precipitate or aggravate TMJD
iii. Posture plays a role: upper cross imbalance with forward head posture tightens
posterior neck muscles→ extends the cranium/occiput, leaving the mouth partially open
at rest→ jaw closers get overworked (to keep the jaw closed)
A. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD or TMD) - Answer a. Definition: a painful
condition affecting the temporomandibular joint
i. Which impairs function and sensation in the face and jaw
ii. It may also result in pain and other symptoms in the ears, neck and shoulders
b. May have debilitating effects
i. Pain syndromes
ii. Eating problems
iii. Sleep disturbances
iv. Depression
v. Anxiety
c. Epidemiology
A. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD or TMD)
c. Epidemiology - Answer i. 40%-75% of adults have at least one sign of TMJD
ii. 33% of adults have at least one symptom of TMJD
iii. 3%-7% seek medical care
iv. Women seek care 3:1-9:1 > Men
v. More than 10 million people in the USA
vi. Majority are women in their childbearing years
1. Possibly due to action and influence of sex hormones on connective tissue
2. Greater amount of upper cross imbalance in females***
a. Associated with breast tissue, extra weight on chest causing imbalance
, A. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD or TMD)
d. Signs and symptoms - Answer i. Pain or tenderness of the jaw or cheek
ii. Aching facial pain or pain in/around the ear
iii. Difficulty or pain with chewing
iv. A bite that feels uncomfortable, "off", or as if it is continually changing
v. Inability to open the mouth comfortably or completely
vi. Deviation of jaw to one side
vii. Locking of the jaw, either open or closed
viii. TMJ sounds
1. Popping
2. Crepitus/grinding
3. Clicking***
A. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD or TMD)
e. Other often-associated symptoms - Answer i. Other symptoms reported include
headache, tinnitus, ear pain, diminished hearing, dizziness or vertigo, and visual
disturbances***
ii. TMJD usually does not occur on its own***
A. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD or TMD)
g. Causes - Answer i. All causes not yet determined
ii. Certain dental or medical procedures***, oral habits, injury/trauma and a vast variety
of joint diseases and disorders like arthritis, can precipitate or aggravate TMJD
iii. Posture plays a role: upper cross imbalance with forward head posture tightens
posterior neck muscles→ extends the cranium/occiput, leaving the mouth partially open
at rest→ jaw closers get overworked (to keep the jaw closed)
