TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)
Looking Forward to Greater IMPACT on Temporomandibular Disorders
Building a patient-centric research focus
In Brief:
- November is National TMJ Awareness Month. It highlights not only the significant impact temporomandibular disorders have in our society, but the research that continues to bring hope for improved care.
- NIDCR’s research efforts have helped to expand understanding of these disorders and orofacial pain in general.
Today, most treatments are designed for the “average patient.” But not everyone is an average patient.
Inflammation May Curb, Not Cause, Chronic Pain
Instead of causing chronic pain, inflammation at the acute stage appears to help thwart it. The NIDCR-supported study suggests suppressing inflammation may be counterproductive for relieving low back and jaw pain in the long run.
National Dental PBRN Enters Next Phase
NIDCR is continuing its support for the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN), now entering its third cycle of funding.
Predicting Pain that Persists
NIDCR-supported researchers found pain-related clinical measures predicted development of chronic TMD.
TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)
Versión en español
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.
Researchers generally agree that the conditions fall into three main categories:
- Myofascial pain involves discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw function.
- Internal derangement of the joint involves a displaced disc, dislocated jaw, or injury to the condyle.
- Arthritis refers to a group of degenerative/inflammatory joint disorders that can affect the temporomandibular joint.
A person may have one or more of these conditions at the same time.
Some estimates suggest that TMJ disorders affect over 10 million Americans. These conditions appear to be more common in women than men.
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Treatment Needs and Financial Costs Associated with TMJD
Just as temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJD) are difficult to define, they are also difficult to treat. There are many types of treatment interventions, from very conservative to very aggressive.
Prevalence of TMJD and its Signs and Symptoms
The prevalence of temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJD) is between 5% and 12%. Unusual for chronic pain conditions, the prevalence rates of TMJ disorders are higher among younger persons. TMJ disorders are at least twice as prevalent in women as men, and women using either supplemental estrogen or oral contraceptives are more likely to seek treatment for these conditions.
Facial Pain
The most common cause of facial pain is a group of conditions called temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJDs). These disorders cause recurrent or chronic pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and its associated muscles and supporting tissues. TMJDs are the second most commonly occurring musculoskeletal conditions resulting in pain and disability (after chronic low back pain), affecting approximately 5 to 12% of the population, with an annual cost estimated at $4 billion. About half to two-thirds of those with TMJ disorders will seek treatment.
Less Is Often Best In Treating TMJ Disorders
Fact sheet on treatment for TMJ disorders.