is tmj hereditary? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

kris2020 · 04-26-2008, 05:05 AM

i've recently found out, after a family gathering, that my brother and sister both have problems with there jaw only it doesn't seem to affect them in the same way as is it affects me.

can jaw problems by hereditary? and if so then why doesn't it seem to affect my brother and sister in the same way?

thanks,
kris

Thelma-Louise · 04-26-2008, 12:31 PM

Its a good question - it may be b/c we are each unique even though we pick up general tendencies and similarities from our parents and ancestors - still not exactly the same though. Genes mya leave us predisposed to tmj due to structural developent patterns but then the dentistry each receives may be different. I guess one would have to look at their overall developmental and dental history - wisdom teeth, braces, missing teeth, to see where the variance lie. My mom had jaw problems but wore dentures starting in her 40's yet none of my sibs have any problems - yet I have an extensive dental history including trauma to the face so for me I am pretty sure its not really hereditary.