Temporomandibular Disorders are characterized by pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscle/tissues and jaw movement limitations. One or both joints may be involved and depending on the severity, affect a person’s ability to speak, chew, swallow, make facial expressions and even breathe.

Approximately 35 million Americans suffer from TMD and the prevalence is higher in women than in men, as 90 percent of patients seeking treatment are women of childbearing age; age of symptom onset ranges from teens to 50.

A study sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality demonstrated an economic impact of $32 billion annually.

For more information, visit The TMJ Association at www.tmj.org.