Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the lower jawbone to the skull, and it helps with movements like chewing and speaking. TMD can cause several issues, including jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.

The exact cause of TMD is often unclear, but it can be due to a combination of factors such as genetics, arthritis, jaw injury, excessive strain on the jaw joints, and the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. Grinding or clenching teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the joint, movement of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket of the joint, and stress can also cause TMD.

TMD can be classified into three categories: disorders of the jaw joints, disorders of the chewing muscles, and headaches that result from TMD. Symptoms of TMD vary widely and may include jaw pain, facial pain, shoulder or neck pain, stiffness in the jaw, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, jaw popping or clicking, headaches, migraines, and earaches.

Healthcare providers can diagnose TMD during a dental checkup or physical examination. Treatment for TMD depends on the severity of the condition and may include self-managed care, nonsurgical treatments, or surgery.