Causes of Temporomandibular Joint Disease

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is wired like a sliding hinge to connect your jaw to your skull. One joint is on either side of a person's jaw. Temporomandibular joint disease, also called a TMJ disorder, is an illness that causes pain in a person's jaw and the muscles controlling the jaw. It can often be difficult to determine the cause, as the pain can occur due to many potential factors, such as from grinding or clenching of the teeth. Thankfully, most discomfort that occurs due to TMJ disorders is only temporary. Patients can manage their care or receive nonsurgical treatments from their doctor. Surgery is only recommended after all other possible measures have failed.