What causes TMD?

TMD has many potential causes, including childhood or sports injuries to the jaw; occupational injuries that involve a blow to the jaw; motor vehicle accidents, especially those involving a neck injury; chronic clenching or grinding of the teeth, joint hypermobility, disruption in proper cranial and jaw growth patterns, or a bad bite. Often there are multiple factors, creating micro-traumas to the joints and muscles which may not cause issues for years. Sleep related breathing disorders can also contribute to TMD.