Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is a collection of symptoms resulting from insufficient jaw development or misaligned teeth (malocclusion). This structural deficiency puts a strain on supporting muscle systems, causing many consequential conditions ranging from migraines to sleep apnea. While preventing TMD development on your own is not always possible, some behavioral practices can limit its scope.

Steps to Malocclusion

Malocclusion, or misalignment of the jaw, can lead to impacted wisdom teeth, chronic pain, and a less than aesthetically pleasing smile. Misalignment can develop for a variety of reasons, many of which are largely preventable.

• Prolonged bottle feeding as an infant
• Prolonged pacifier use
• Thumb sucking
• Abnormally shaped teeth
• Trauma to the mouth or jaw from an injury
• An underdeveloped jaw

What You Can Do

As reflected in the steps outlined above, many of these contributing factors can be controlled. Establishing jaw positive habitual behaviors in your children is an easy way to prevent a life-long struggle with TMD or any of its affiliated conditions.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends stopping bottle feeding at 18 months
• The American Dental Association recommends children stop using a pacifier by age 2
• Weaning children off of pacifiers and thumb sucking early can benefit an ideal dental alignment
• Fostering a sense of being careful while playing or wearing a mouth guard during sports or other intense physical activity can prevent a dental injury

Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics for TMD Treatment

As with all things, TMD is only preventable to a certain extent, and while some contributing factors are things that can be controlled, some things are just out of our control. The way teeth grow in, genetic predisposition, and accidents can all affect your or your child's jaw development and whether or not they experience TMD later in life.

If you're interested in learning more or are seeking treatment for TMD, visit our contact page today or schedule an appointment with Dr. Buck by calling (425) 409-2086.