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Temporomandibular disorder
Make it clearer
Temporomandibular disorder is not a single problem but a group. Some start in the masticatory muscles, the ones that move the jaw to chew. Others start in the temporomandibular joint, the spot where the jaw meets the temporal bone of the skull. Typically the joint hurts, it makes noises, and the jaw cannot move through its full range of motion.
To understand the noise, you have to look inside. Two parts meet there: the condyle, which is the end of the jaw, and the glenoid fossa, a hollow in the temporal bone. Between them sits an articular disc that keeps them apart. If that disc slips forward when the mouth is closed and moves back over the condyle when the mouth opens, that back-and-forth is the click. It is like a cushion that slides out of place when the mouth closes and returns to its spot when the mouth opens.
And the pain usually shows up with use. It tends to get worse with chewing, yawning or talking for a long time.
In brief
Temporomandibular disorder covers conditions of the masticatory muscles or the temporomandibular joint, and typically causes joint pain, joint noises and restricted jaw movement.
An articular disc separates the mandibular condyle from the temporal bone's glenoid fossa; if it slips forward with the mouth closed and moves back into place on opening, that back-and-forth explains the click.
A cushion that slides out when the mouth closes and returns when it opens.
The pain is usually triggered by function and tends to worsen with chewing, yawning or prolonged talking.
Sources (2)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingTemporomandibular Syndrome, StatPearlsPublished
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of HealthTMD (Temporomandibular Disorders), NIDCR
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated