1. Although it is often known as TMJ, the proper abbreviation for temporomandibular joint disorder (or dysfunction) is TMD. The abbreviation TMJ technically refers to your temporomandibular joints, better known as your jaws.
2. In around 90% of TMD cases, a trained dentist can make a diagnosis based on symptoms and an examination.
3. Habit changes can sometimes help. One of the most important habits to drop? Chewing gum.
4. Eating hard, crunchy foods like pretzels and chips can aggravate the disorder.
5. Pain from TMD can radiate up into your head and as far as your shoulders and back.
6. The disorder alone can cause migraine headaches. If you already have migraines, TMD can increase the frequency and severity of your attacks.
7. TMD sufferers are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) than the general population.
8. About 10% of all Americans have some form of it.
9. Women are two to four times as likely as men to suffer from this disorder.
10. Most patients are between 20 and 40 years old.
11. The vast majority of cases can be successfully resolved without surgery. In fact, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends avoiding surgery for TMD whenever possible.
12. The disorder may be triggered by injury, but a jaw injury does not have to be the cause. Whiplash, for example, is a frequent instigator.
13. What do experts say you should try as your first remedy? Application of cold packs to your jaw and over-the-counter painkillers (NSAIDs).
14. Arthritis (both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis) is the cause of some instances of TMD.
15. Stress that leads to teeth grinding or clenching is also thought to be a major cause.