Main Cause of TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is responsible for the movement of opening and closing the mouth; it’s the connection between the mandible and the rest of the skull bones. It’s one of the most complex joints in the human body. To locate it, place your fingers just in front of your ears, open and close your mouth, and you will feel the temporomandibular joints, one on each side of your face, move under your fingers. TMJ dysfunction is an abnormality of the temporomandibular joint and/or the muscles responsible for chewing.
Most common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction:
- Headaches in the forehead, behind the eyes, and in the temples
- Earaches
- Tinnitus
- Difficulty chewing, especially hard foods
- Pain during chewing
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Noisy popping sound near the ear when opening and closing the mouth
- Excessive tooth wear
- Sensation of jaw locking
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a very particular joint, as it is the only one in the human body that is interconnected; that is, when the right joint moves, the left one also moves. In turn, these two joints have a close relationship with each other: the dental articulation.
What is the main cause of TMJ/TMD disorders?
The causes of TMJ dysfunction can be identified through a specific questionnaire, clinical examinations, imaging tests, and complementary clinical tests, such as molding and mounting on an articulator, etc.
The main cause is usually a misalignment of the jawbones when they are at rest. This type of misalignment can occur due to developmental problems of the dental arches, tooth wear or loss, trauma, orthodontic problems, etc.
Furthermore, one of the possible consequences of TMD is bruxism, which occurs when the patient clenches or grinds their teeth very forcefully while sleeping. Depending on the amount of force used, the patient may experience pain in the area, and their teeth tend to decrease in size slowly.
The causes of TMD and orofacial dysfunction can be:
- The patient’s own bone structure can lead to the development of TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)
- An imbalance in mandibular position causes local and peripheral muscle imbalance and chain reactions
- Joint problems and disorders
- Stress
- Non-fitting prostheses and restorations
- Poor mandibular resting position
- Muscle hyperactivity
- Misaligned teeth
- Trauma
- Excessive opening of the mouth
- Incorrect spinal posture
- Inadequate prostheses that impair the alignment of the teeth and jaw
- Muscle disorders
- Hereditary Factors
Other factors can lead people to develop the symptoms mentioned, such as:
- Car accidents with some type of trauma, both to the face and neck
- Trauma to the joint area (blows, falls, etc.)
- Trauma to the chin area
- Arthritis and arthrosis
- Emotional stress
- Intubation for surgeries and endoscopies
- Wisdom tooth surgery
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed, you will provide a detailed account of the history, details, and progression of the disease from the onset of symptoms. We will perform a thorough clinical examination to obtain a correct diagnosis, since temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can often be confused with other painful conditions, such as dental pain and oral infections. This is why it is important to be evaluated if you are having jaw pain. Contact us today for an appointment and consultation, and we will get you on the road to a pain-free life!
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Related Article: Best way to get rid of TMJ