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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
Because it combines a hinge action with sliding motions, the temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints in your body. The lower jaw has rounded ends that glide in and out of the joint socket when you talk, chew or yawn. The parts of the bones that interact in the joint are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which keeps the movement smooth.
TMJ disorders can occur if:
- The disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment.
- The joint's cartilage is damaged by arthritis.
- The joint is damaged by a blow or other impact.
- The muscles that stabilize the joint become fatigued from overwork, which can happen if you habitually clench or grind your teeth.
In many cases, however, the cause of TMJ symptoms isn't clear.
