What causes TMJ?

General & Cosmetic Dentist serving Hoboken, Jersey City & Hudson County areas of New Jersey

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TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, sometimes called TMD, can cause symptoms as diverse as headaches, ringing ears, and tingling in the hands and fingers. But what causes TMJ?

TMJ is an imbalance in the mouth’s neuromuscular system, the combination of soft and hard tissues that should work as a team. Instead, the two work against one another, causing muscle tension, nerve damage, and tooth and bone wear. Although this begins in the jaw, it can be transferred from the jaw to the head and the neck, and from there down the spine to the rest of the body.

TMJ can cause all effects throughout the body, but what causes TMJ? TMJ can be caused by:

  • Injury to the jaw, head or neck
  • Imbalanced bite due to poorly aligned teeth or poorly designed dental work
  • Grinding teeth
  • Cartilage damage
  • Stress

Sometimes, though, there is no identifiable cause for TMJ. It can develop suddenly or slowly, and sometimes it can even resolve as spontaneously as it began.

There are, however, successful TMJ treatment options. To learn about your treatment options in Hoboken, please contact Frank R. DePaola DDS & Associates, LLC.

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