Living With TMDWho is affected by TMJ disorders (TMD)? What are the causes, symptoms, and treatments? How are they diagnosed? Find answers to all your TMD questions.
Welcome to The TMJ Association!
We're glad you're here. You're not alone.
The TMJ Association, Ltd. (TMJA) is a nonprofit, patient advocacy organization whose mission is to improve the quality of health care and lives of everyone affected by Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). For over 25 years we have shared reliable information on TMD with people like you and invite you to read our website.
Terrie Cowley - President and Co-Founder
Think You May Have Temporomandibular Disorders?
1) FIRST, try eating soft foods, using ice packs, and avoiding extreme jaw movements, like yawning and gum chewing. Short-term use of over-the-counter or prescription pain medicines may also provide relief.
2) AVOID treatments that cause permanent changes in the bite or jaw. This includes crown work, bridge work or orthodontics to change the bite, grinding down teeth (bite adjustment), or repositioning splints.
3) AVOID surgical treatment, where possible. There have been no long-term studies to test the safety and effectiveness of these procedures.
The TMJ Association is the only organization fighting for the best science that will lead to a greater understanding of Temporomandibular Disorders and safe and effective treatments. As a nonprofit, 501(c)3 patient advocacy organization, we rely solely on the generous donations from people like you to fund vital TMD research and awareness efforts. Make a tax-deductible contribution today! For additional ways you can help, click here.
If you purchase items from Amazon, YOU can help raise money for The TMJ Association with every purchase. Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The TMJ Association. It's like regular Amazon but with the wonderful opportunity to help raise money for your TMJA. Click here to get started. Happy shopping!
Katie's Story
My TMJ pain comes in many forms. It starts with soreness in my jaw, usually one side or the other, not both at the same time. As it worsens it feels like tooth pain. Terrible tooth pain that moves from tooth to tooth so you can’t tell which it is. When it’s really bad the entire side of my face is in pain. My teeth, my cheeks, my jaw, my ear. It can feel like an earache, or a headache. It can feel like my teeth are going to fall out of my head. My neck hurts, my back hurts, my shoulders hurt. I think that I will die before the pain goes away.This is my story.
Read a selection of touching stories submitted by those experiencing TMD – learn how others cope with issues many patients face.
What are the TMJA science meetings all about? We've held seven such meetings to date and issued a TMJ Science journal for each.