TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER - TMD

This a condition whereby jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the nerves associated with this region cause pain. TMD most often affects women twice as much as men. The causes include, overuse of jaw muscles and trauma. The symptoms can include jaw pain, especially in morning, earache - with no infection-, jaw clicking when opening jaw, difficulty in opening mouth, stiff or locked jaw. The treatment would include resting of jaw, anti-inflammatory drugs (non-aspirin), stress management, eating soft foods, wearing a splint or mouthguard and avoiding chewing gum.