The temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
is a joint that slides and rotates just in front of
your ear, consisting of the temporal bone (side and
base of the skull) and the mandible (lower jaw). Mastication
(chewing) muscles connect the lower jaw to the skull,
allowing you to move your jaw forward, sideways, and
open and close.
The joint works properly when the
lower jaw and its joint (both the right and left)
are synchronized during movement. Temporomandibular
Disorder (TMD) may occur when the jaw twists during
opening, closing or side-motion movements. These movements
affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control
chewing.
TMD describes a variety of conditions
that affect jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints,
and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Symptoms
may occur on one or both sides of the face, head or
jaw, or develop after an injury. TMD affects more
than twice as many women than men and is the most
common non-dental related chronic orofacial pain.
Normal function for this muscle
group includes chewing, swallowing, speech and communication.
Most experts suggest that certain tasks, either mental
or physical, cause or aggravate TMD, such as strenuous
physical tasks or stressful situations. Most discomfort
is caused from overuse of the muscles, specifically
clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism).
These excessive habits tire the
jaw muscles and lead to discomfort, such as headaches
or neck pain. Additionally, abnormal function can
lead to worn or sensitive teeth, traumatized soft
tissues, muscle soreness, jaw discomfort when eating,
and temporal (side) headaches.
Symptoms are as follows:
- An earache without an infection
- Jaw pain or soreness thatis more prevalent in the morning or late afternoon
- Jaw pain when you chew, bite or yawn
- Clicking when opening and closing your mouth
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- Locked or stiff jaw when you talk, yawn or eat
- Sensitive teeth when no dental problems can be found
The majority of cases can be treated by unloading (resting) the joint, taking a non-aspirin pain reliever and practicing stress management and relaxation techniques. It's important to break bad habits to ease the symptoms. Most treatment for TMD is simple, often can be done at home, and does not need surgery. For example, control clenching or grinding during the day by sticking your tongue between your teeth. If you still experience pain, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night. So see your dentist for a nighttime mouthguard.
Most people will experience relief with minor treatment. More severe cases may be treated with physical therapy, ice and hot packs, posture training and orthopedic appliance therapy (splint). Eating soft foods and avoiding chewing gum also help relax the muscles.
The condition is often cyclical
and may recur during times of stress, good or bad.
As the patient, you should be active in your treatment,
by being aware of the causes of your jaw problems
after seeing a dentist for a diagnosis regime. Make
routine dental appointments, so your doctor can check
TMD on a regular basis.
Courtesy of the Academy of General
Dentistry (www.agd.org)
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