10 Causes of Jaw Pain
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Cause #8: Genetic Factors
While TMJD is not obviously seen in families like a genetic disease, there are theories that suggest that there may be a genetic predisposition for the development of TMJD. This theory is further explained by gene variations that code the enzyme catechol-O-methyl transferase.
The variation of the gene that codes for the above enzyme produces a smaller amount of enzyme and has been linked to a higher sensitivity to pain. Females with this gene variant have been observed to have a higher risk of developing TMJD compared to females without the variant. Currently, this theory is still controversial as there is conflicting evidence.
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