---
title: "What Is TMJ disorder (TMD)? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "TMJ disorders, or TMD, are a group of conditions that cause pain and trouble in the jaw joint and the muscles that move the jaw."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tmj-disorder-tmd
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# TMJ disorder (TMD)

TMJ disorders, or TMD, are a group of conditions that cause pain and trouble in the jaw joint and the muscles that move the jaw.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. TMD refers to the disorders. [TMJ](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/temporomandibular-joint-tmj) refers to the jaw joint itself.

Signs can include jaw pain, clicking or popping, limited opening, and headaches. In most cases the exact cause is not clear. Injury to the joint can lead to some TMDs. A person may have more than one condition at the same time.

Many people with jaw pain also clench or grind their teeth. See [bruxism](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bruxism-teeth-grinding). A dentist can check your bite, jaw and muscles and talk with you about options, which may include a [night guard](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/night-guard) or other care. Call your dentist if jaw pain lasts.

## Related terms

-   [Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/temporomandibular-joint-tmj)
-   [Bruxism (teeth grinding)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bruxism-teeth-grinding)
-   [Night guard](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/night-guard)
-   [Occlusal splint](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/occlusal-splint)
-   [Jawbone](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/jawbone)

## Sources

1.  [NIDCR: TMD](https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmj)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)