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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
TMJ disorders cause tenderness and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the joint on each side of your head in front of your ears, where your lower jawbone meets your skull. This joint allows you to talk, chew and yawn.
TMJ disorders can be caused by many different types of problems — including arthritis, jaw injury, or muscle fatigue from clenching or grinding your teeth.
In most cases, the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders can be alleviated with self-managed care or nonsurgical treatments. Severe TMJ disorders may need to be treated with dental or surgical interventions.
- 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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