An abbreviation for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders. TMD is characterized by pain or tenderness in your face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide, jaws that get “stuck” or “lock” in the open- or closed-mouth position, and clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when you open or close your mouth or chew. This may or may not be painful. Grinding or clenching your teeth is a leading cause of TMD.
