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 30 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.

Click here to read the National Institutes of Health brochure on Temporomandibular Disorders

The TMJ Association is acting as the catalyst to develop the TMJ Patient RoundTable, a broad initiative to advance the interests of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

The TMJ Patient RoundTable is also the first patient-led project to be conducted under the auspices of the Medical Device Epidemiology Network (MDEpiNet), a public-private partnership developed to bring real--world data-patient experiences together with a broad array of experts to conduct studies aimed at improving outcomes for implant patients worldwide. The unique aspect of the RoundTable initiative is its patient-centeredness and in that regard, we expect to involve you, the TMJ patients, in aspects of the project as it enfolds. Click here to read the latest update on the TMJ RoundTable project.

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. Double your gift today with a corporate matching contribution! 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!

Terrie: Intended or Unintended, the Unforgivable Injury

TMJ disorders can drastically alter the life patterns of the patients, their families and loved ones. As with any major chronic illness, or the loss of a loved one, everyone experiences the grieving process. In a matter of months or overnight, the patient becomes a totally different person, experiencing unexpected and unfamiliar physical limitations and accompanying fear. The patient is forced to give up not only part of oneself, but also the idealizations and hopes one has had. If these losses are not replaced with hope through understanding and acceptance, everything seems hopeless. Unfortunately, for TMJ patients there are few answers and little that makes sense, which makes understanding, and therefore acceptance, difficult.
This is my story.

New Report on Temporomandibular Disorders: Priorities for Research and Care

Over a year and half ago, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) began the most comprehensive study ever undertaken on Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). The study assessed the current state of TMD research, education and training, the safety and efficacy of clinical treatments, and associated burden and costs.

Statement by NIDCR Acting Director on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Report on Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

I am pleased to announce the release of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report, Temporomandibular Disorders: Priorities for Research and Care. As underscored by the comprehensive report, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJDs) are a diverse and still poorly understood set of complex, painful conditions affecting the jaw muscles and tissues, temporomandibular joints, and associated nerves. Clearly, there is much more to be understood, and these conditions continue to confound medical and dental health care providers and researchers.

Have you seen the film Dark Waters?

The Film. Dark Waters is about attorney Robert Billott's real-life 20 year legal battle against DuPont chemical for releasing toxic waste - perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA - into Parkersburg, West Virginia's water supply, with devastating health effects on the townspeople and livestock. PFOA, also known as C8, is a man-made chemical. It is used in the process of making Teflon and similar chemicals known as fluorotelomers.

Online TMD Diet Diary Research Project

Online TMD Diet Diary Research Project The TMJ Association received the following request from Professor Justin Durham and his research team at Newcastle University. We encourage TMJ patients to participate in this project as it is an under researched

Drug Induced Bruxism

The authors of this article state that orofacial movement disorders (bruxism) are treated typically by dental professionals and not by those specialists (neurologists) researching and treating the other movement disorders (Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, tremors, etc.). Again, this is more evidence of the complexity of TMD and the need for multidisciplinary research and treatment in TMD.

Who is affected by TMJ disorders (TMD)? What are the causes, symptoms, and treatments? How are they diagnosed? Find answers to all your TMD questions.