Temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMJ disorder for short, have many different factors which contribute to the discomfort in the jaw area. The most common factor leading to TMJ disorders for many people is bruxism, which is more commonly known as grinding or clenching. The subconscious grinding and clenching leads to excessive stress and pressure on the joint, and as a result, leads to significant pain or discomfort. Jaw injuries and dislocations also play a role in the development of TMJ disorder. While trauma or dislocation can seemingly heal nicely in the short term, it should be no surprise that TMJ disorder has been found more common among people who have previously experienced trauma or dislocation. Additionally, poor alignment of teeth, otherwise known as Malocclusion, can also lead to TMJ disorder. When the mouth is closed, a poor bite can place stress on the TMJ, and over time, lead to problems. The final common cause of TMJ disorder is arthritis in various forms, such as osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. TMJ disorder is a fairly common condition in the United States, with around 10 million people each year affected. It can be extremely debilitating and lead to long-term pain but thankfully, dentists are able to help diagnose and guide patients through treatment of the disorder.