Some causes of TMJ are easily diagnosed. It's a joint - a complex one at that - and subject to the same degenerative disorders that afflict other joints, such as rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. An injury can impact the alignment of the TMJ. If you lost a tooth and didn't have it replaced, that can also impact this joint. If you needed orthodontic work and didn't have it done, that can also lead to problems of the TMJ later in life. And you could suffer TMJ problems even if you did wear braces, if they weren't adjusted properly or your bite wasn't aligned properly once the braces came off.

Some causes of TMJ aren't so easily diagnosed. Poor posture while standing, driving or sitting at a desk can create a strain on the TMJ. What we call poor oral habits, such as wide yawning, gum chewing, nail biting or breathing through your mouth can create TMJ discomfort. Anxiety and stress can manifest themselves in behaviors that cause TMJ or make it worse, such as clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth.