{"id":206,"date":"2025-12-22T22:17:56","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T22:17:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliveaudental.com\/blog\/?p=206"},"modified":"2025-12-22T22:17:58","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T22:17:58","slug":"tmj-disorder-medical-or-dental-issue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliveaudental.com\/blog\/tmj-disorder-medical-or-dental-issue\/","title":{"rendered":"TMJ Disorder \u2014 Is It a Medical or Dental Issue?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Woman<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

TMJ disorder<\/a>, sometimes called TMD or simply TMJ, is a common problem. Millions of people suffer from its symptoms, such as jaw pain, headaches, and more. If such issues sound all too familiar to you, you might wonder where you should turn for treatment. Is TMJ disorder a medical or dental issue? Should you visit your dentist or primary care practitioner to find relief? This blog post explains what you should know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

TMD Is Both a Dental and Medical Issue\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TMD is actually an umbrella term that can refer to a wide range of issues that affect the TMJs (temporomandibular joints, which control movement of your lower jaw). For example, its symptoms can be caused by injuries, arthritis, stress, misaligned teeth, and more. Plus, if it is left untreated, it can even lead to various aches and pains throughout the body, including the neck and back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because TMD is so complex and can manifest itself in ways that affect (or are caused by) both the oral structures and other parts of the body, it can rightly be classified as both a dental and <\/em>medical issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2026But Dentists Often Take the Lead in Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several different types of medical professionals may be able to help you find relief from TMD symptoms. For example, primary care providers, chiropractors, physical therapists, ENTs, oral surgeons, and orthopedists may all provide treatments that can help. However, the best person to take the lead in treatment and coordinate additional care is usually a dentist. <\/em>There are a few reasons for this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n