What Causes TMJ Disorders

Common causes of TMD symptoms include:

• Bruxism: Long-term strain caused by chronic grinding and/or clenching of teeth during sleep
• Malocclusion: Bad bites that chronically overstress the TMJs during chewing
• Trauma: Accidents involving direct or indirect trauma to the head, face, or neck
• Dental Procedures: Extensive treatments that overstress muscles, joints, and ligaments
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia intubations that strain or damage TM joints
• Arthritis: Joint inflammation, particularly in patients with disc dislocations
• Systemic Diseases: Conditions like gout, lupus, scleroderma, and fibromyalgia
• Developmental Issues: Growth disturbances affecting facial and TM joint structures
• Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, caffeine, nicotine, and sugar affecting muscle tension
• Emotional Stress: Linked to increased teeth grinding frequency at night