a child. The injury therefore is overlooked as symptoms resolve over a period of weeks, but may return or develop later in life to a level that treatment is sought. Micro trauma is a consistent and repetitive low-level grade of stress to the TMJ system over a period of time. It most commonly occurs as a result of continual teeth clenching and teeth grinding that overwhelms the TMJ's shock absorber ability to tolerate the forces that are generated. A majority of microtrauma occurs when we sleep, as this is when forces from teeth clenching and grinding are at their greatest. Occlusion Contrary to many popular advertised and purported myths, dental occlusion is NOT a cause of TMD.  Unfortunately for many patients they are informed that they require expensive dental treatment such as implants, crowns / bridges, and orthodonticts to 'fix' their TMD complaint. This is often far from the truth.  These people then spend large sums of money having the treatment conducted, only to be left with the original TMD pain complaint as the 'cause' was left undiagnosed or untreated. Missing teeth, severely worn teeth, poorly fitting dentures, and malocclusions can however all be 'associated' with a TMD, whilst not being a direct cause.  For many people that develop a TMD they also have these problems with their bite, and may require treatment to stabilise the TMJ's long term.  This should occur ONLY in conjunction with a comprehensive TMD pain management and rehabilitation plan. Body Posture and TMD Recently, many