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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
The temporomandibular joint combines a hinge action with sliding motions. 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 disorders isn't clear.
- TMJ disorders. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/topics/tmj/tmjdisorders.htm. Accessed April 1, 2010.
- TMJ. American Academy of Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/tmj.cfm. Accessed April 6, 2010.
- Laskin DM. Temporomandibular joint disorders. In: Cummings CW, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/192497386-8/977005653/1263/625.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01985-4..50071-X_2752. Accessed April 1, 2010.
- Sheon RP. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 5, 2010.
- Zuzek RW, et al. Temporomandibular joint syndrome. Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/193390682-3/0/2088/643.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00029-0--sc0035_13145. Accessed April 6, 2010.
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