{"id":236,"date":"2025-02-20T05:05:58","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T05:05:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.richardsonortho.com\/blog\/?p=236"},"modified":"2025-04-02T05:07:45","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T05:07:45","slug":"tmj-myths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.richardsonortho.com\/blog\/2025\/02\/20\/tmj-myths\/","title":{"rendered":"5 TMJ Disorder Myths You Should Know About!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the entire body. This means that there is a lot that can go wrong. Since there is so much complexity, many misconceptions have come to the surface about TMJ disorder<\/a>. We are here to bring these myths to light and provide you with useful information surrounding TMJ disorder. Continue reading to learn about some of the most common myths out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Myth 1: TMJ Is a Health Condition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TMJ itself is not a health condition. In fact, everyone has two TMJ. This acronym stands for \u201ctemporomandibular joint.\u201d TMJ disorder is the health condition in which the TMJ is not functioning properly, leading to negative symptoms. The acronym for TMJ disorder is \u201cTMD.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth 2: TMD Is a Rare Medical Issue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TMD is actually quite common. Approximately 35 million people in the United States suffer from disorders related to the TMJ and surrounding muscles. People of any age can get TMD. However, it is most common among women and people between the ages of 20 and 40.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth 3: TMD Is a Result of Accidents and Injuries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many cases of TMD seem to develop as a result of an injury, like whiplash, direct blows to the jaw, and head injuries. However, not all cases of TMD are caused by incidents like these. It can also stem from malocclusion (when the upper and lower jaws don\u2019t meet) and bruxism (chronic clenching\/grinding of the teeth).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth 4: TMD Requires Surgical Intervention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Surgical treatment can be a solution in severe cases as a last resort, but most people are able to benefit from alternative treatment options. This may include wearing a customized oral appliance to bed to keep the jaw in a more relaxed position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth 5: TMD Is Not Dangerous<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TMD doesn\u2019t typically come with life threatening concerns, but it can result in harmful symptoms that are difficult to manage. Here are some of the greater concerns:<\/p>\n\n\n\n