Causes of TMJ Disorders

There are many factors that can cause Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) or "TMJ" as it is commonly referred to. Those factors include, but are not limited to:

• Trauma to the head and neck as in whiplash, sports injury or fall
• Clenching brought on by stress
• Chronic stress
• Poor nutrition
• Improper posture
• Malocclusion (bad bite) from crooked or missing teeth
• Inherited muscle and bone problems
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)

When any of these factors are present, they actually "overload" the normal capabilities of the jaw joint, muscles and teeth that can result in pain and dysfunction. When the jaw joints, muscles and teeth are not in the proper balance and alignment, pain is very often the result. That's where we can help! Having a comfortable occlusion or "bite" is absolutely critical in the successful management of TMD disorders