TMJ disorders are generally a product of several factors. In other words, they are thought to have a cause that is “multifactorial.”
Pinpointing the Causes of TMJ Disorder
Causes of TMJ disorders include trauma to the jaw or temporomandibular joint, overbite, underbite, poor posture, tooth damage, malocclusion (misalignment of the upper and lower teeth), stress, and constant gum chewing. Osteoporosis is another potential cause.
Jaw Trauma as a Cause of TMJ Disorder
There are two types of traumatic jaw injuries that can lead to TMJ disorders: microtrauma and macrotrauma. A combination of the two may also cause the disorder. Microtrauma is internal, while macrotrauma is trauma from the outside.
Macrotrauma & Jaw Injury
Macrotrauma can be from a car accident or punch in the face that ultimately leads to jaw dysfunction. When macrotrauma happens, it can cause TMJ dislocation, break the jawbone, or damage the cartilage disc of the joint.